Press releases - Rail, bus, coach and tram

Watchdog sets challenge to get more trains on time

02.06.2010

Passenger Focus has welcomed today’s news that record numbers of trains in Great Britain are arriving on time. The independent passenger watchdog’s research shows that getting more trains on time is both a key driver of current rail passenger satisfaction and passengers' key priority for improvement.

Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, said: “Getting more trains to arrive on time is the best way Network Rail and the rail industry can ensure we end up with more, happier passengers. Offering passengers an effective consumer, public transport choice will aid both economic recovery and help combat climate change. Government and the transport industries must continue to focus on understanding what drives passenger satisfaction and what passenger priorities for improvement are as difficult spending choices loom.”

Mr Smith continued: “The performance of Network Rail and the broader rail industry is moving in the right direction but much more needs to be done before all passengers feel the benefits of these improvements. Measuring trains at the end of their journeys gives a partial picture of performance – we need to move towards reporting punctuality at stations along the way and broken down by individual routes to ensure the experience of the majority of passengers is captured.”

ENDS

1. Media enquiries regarding this should be addressed to:
    Krista Hamblin
    0300 123 0821
    krista.hamblin@passengerfocus.org.uk