Words in [single square brackets] included hyperlinks in the original document
Words in [[double square brackets]] are editorial additions or corrections
Words in [[[triple square brackets]]] indicate embedded images or graphics in the original document. (These are not usually archived unless they contain significant additional information.)
Train operators working hard to cope with unprecedented growth
date 10 February 1999 source ATOC type Press release
The 25 passenger train operating companies are working hard to improve the reliability and punctuality of their services while managing massive growth in passenger journeys and introducing many new services.
The latest statistics, published today by the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising (OPRAF), show passenger numbers are continuing to grow by 7 per cent a year.
James Gordon, Director General of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), pointed out that:
o more than 1,000 extra train services are being run every day; o the reliability of the service is improving; o Government subsidy to the railways is set to fall by 14 per cent a year for the next two years, providing good value to the taxpayer.
He said: "Punctuality is proving a hard nut to crack in the face of such unprecedented growth. We are tackling the problem through our ten-point action plan in full co-operation with Railtrack and the Government.
"The fruits of the massive investment programme are beginning to come through but it will be some time before we see dramatic improvements.
"The network is running at full stretch but the operators are determined to serve their passengers better through improved services while continuing to provide for the growth in passenger numbers."
-ENDS-
For more information: David Campbell Bannerman, Communications Director 0171 904 3010 or pager (01523) 523 523 pager no. 849718
2013-01-08 all related releases