New faces at the cabinet table should mean the government changes its policies on transport and pensions, say the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

Both parties have been outlining the priorities they think new Transport Secretary Alistair Darling should pursue to bring relief to Britain's travelling public.

One of the key things Alistair Darling needs to do is restore private sector confidence

Theresa May Tory spokeswoman

Trade unions have also welcomed the decision to split up the Transport Department, with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott taking charge of local government policy.

Incoming Work and Pensions Secretary Andrew Smith also faces calls for a fresh look at how to encourage and help people save money for old age.

Steve Webb, the Lib Dem pensions spokesman, said having a new figure in the role gave the government a golden opportunity to rethink its whole pensions strategy.

Courage urged

"It is widely recognised that the government has failed to promote saving for old age and its strategy of mass means testing is doomed to failure," said Professor Webb.

"I hope that Mr Smith will have the courage to admit the government has failed and make a fresh start."

Alistair Darling must tackle unfinished priorities, say the Lib Dems

A similar message was delivered by Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary David Willetts.

"This reshuffle is a crucial opportunity to address the crisis in our funded pensions which the Government has done so little to tackle," said Mr Willetts.

Problems with benefit fraud, the Child Support Agency and low take-up of some benefits also needed to be addressed, he added.

Removing the 'mess'

The main focus, however, has been on Mr Darling's new role after Tuesday's dramatic resignation by Mr Byers.

Conservative shadow transport secretary Theresa May said Mr Darling now had to rewrite the government's 10-year transport plan because of the "mess" he had inherited.

A powerful committee of MPs accused that plan of lacking coherence last weekend.

John Prescott: Hailed as the reshuffle's "big winner"

Mrs May argued the decision to put Railtrack into administration and replace it with a not-for-profit company had also caused damaging uncertainty.

"One of the key things Alistair Darling needs to do is restore private sector confidence but also look at the whole issue surrounding Railtrack in administration," she added.

Lib Dem transport spokesman Don Foster said restoring confidence in the transport system was a key priority for Mr Darling.

'Tough decisions'

Tackling the fragmented state of the railways, cutting congestion and pollution on the roads, and ensuring the safety of National Air Traffic control services should also top his agenda, he said.

Mr Foster added: "At last we have someone who can concentrate on delivering a safe, reliable and affordable public transport system...

"It is essential that Mr Darling now takes the tough decisions that the current transport crisis demands.

"But he will need the full backing of all of the cabinet, particularly the prime minister and the Treasury."

London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: "Alistair Darling has taken on a very challenging brief.

"I look forward to working with him to resolve the very significant regional issues facing London, of which transport is the most pressing."

The decision to hive off the regions and local government part of the Transport Department into the Deputy Prime Minister's Department has won applause from trade unions.

A spokesman for GMB union said it was right for a "heavy hitter" like John Prescott to take charge of local government.

'Media had their scalp'

"It is clear that the deputy prime minister is one of the big winners in this reshuffle," he said.

"It would appear that reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated."

Mr Prescott's return to what is part of his former brief was also hailed as timely by Bill Morris, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union.

Mr Morris added: "The media have had their scalp but now we want to see a return to government by the elected politicians...

"Let them now be freed up to concentrate on our transport, public services and manufacturing."