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Archive
1996-05-28 DoT-001
Department of Transport
Latest rail franchises start running in private sector
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Press release
Department of Transport
Latest rail franchises start running in private sector
Passengers can look forward to new trains and better services from
the new private owners of the London, Tilbury and Southend (LTS)
line, Prism Rail plc, Transport Minister John Watts said today.
During a visit to the state-of-the-art signalling centre at Upminster
in Essex , to see a newly completed #150 million resignalling
scheme come into operation, Mr Watts said:
Network SouthCentral and LTS both started operations in the private
sector on Sunday. Seven rail franchises are now in private hands -
that represents 40% of the passenger railway - and the benefits are
already being felt by passengers.
Not only have Prism pledged to provide new rolling stock for the
line, but they will also seek to open a new station at West Ham,
linking in with existing rail services and benefiting the wider
community. Franchising the line has allowed these private
In addition to the new rolling stock and the station at West Ham,
Prism is committed to spending at least #14 million on station
improvements, including :
Station and car park security and improved access for disabled
customers; Automatic ticket gates, closed circuit television and
customer help points.
Tougher punctuality and reliability standards under the Passengers
Charter will be reinforced by improved compensation arrangements if
services are delayed or cancelled.
Mr Watts concluded:
I believe that franchising is delivering all the benefits we said it
would - new investment, a better Passengers Charter and lower
subsidy. Essex commuters will now be able to share in the
nationwide renaissance of Britains railways.
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# = pounds sterling
Railnews Archive ::: 1996-05-28 DoT-001
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