Train reliability resume after eight years

MPs are reporting that train reliability levels have returned to the pre-2000 Hatfield crash level, but that increasing railway congestion is “magnifying” the impact that network disruptions have on passengers.

According to the findings of the Public Accounts Committee, accidents and emergencies occurring on one part of the rail network often have a wide-reaching impact across the network.

The MPs also noted that often when trains are delayed, passengers are not kept properly informed by rail operators, and also that they are not given correct information about compensation that can be claimed for delays.

In 2006-2007, the UK saw 1.2 billion rail journeys, according to the committee. From 2000 to 2007, the number of passenger services increased from 18,000 per day to 22,000.

“This expansion means that, when problems do occur, they can cause greater disruption to passengers,” the MPs stated in the findings.

Problems can be exacerbated by poor communication between Network Rail and train companies – as well as with emergency services.

Annual subsidies for rail travel now exceed £5 billion. According to the committee, 90 per cent of all passenger journeys arrive on time.

In the 2000 Hatfield crash, four people were killed and widespread engineering work was required to replace damaged sections of track.

Thanks to www.telegraph.co.uk for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

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