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1998-12-04 ORR-001

Office of the Rail Regulator

Rail Regulator takes enforcement action against National Rail Enquiry Service


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ATOC
Association of Train Operating Companies
Office of the Rail Regulator
ORR

notes
ORR/98/35







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Press release


Office of the Rail Regulator

Rail Regulator takes enforcement action against National Rail Enquiry Service


  date 4 December 1998
  source Office of the Rail Regulator
  type Press release

Train operators could face another round of fines if the National Rail Enquiry Service (NRES) fails to meet telephone call answering targets. Issuing a final enforcement order today, which will remain in place until performance is consistently meeting the target, the Rail Regulator Chris Bolt said:" Easy access to information is essential to encourage passengers to travel by rail. Each time NRES fails to answer a call, a journey opportunity may be lost. Performance needs to meet, and meet consistently, the targets set for the scheme. Train operators have told me that they can deliver this, the challenge is now for them to do so."

In 1997 the Rail Regulator imposed fines totalling £350,000 on train operators for failing to meet the target of answering 90% of telephone enquiries to the National Rail Enquiry Service.

Notes for editors:

1. Today’s final order is published under section 55 of the Railways Act 1993.

2. On 29 October (press notice ORR/98/32) the Rail Regulator published a proposed enforcement order and gave train operators 28 days statutory notice for representations to be made. This period of notice expired on 30 November.

3. Under this order, operators face a fine of £500,000 for any shortfall down to 85% of telephone calls answered, and a second fine of £500,000 for any further shortfall below that percentage figure.

4. Performance figures have been: May 87%, June 90%, July 90.5%, August 88%, September 94%, October 86%, November 89.9%.


Railnews Archive ::: 1998-12-04 ORR-001