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Sir Alastair Morton, Chairman of the SSRA, commented today on the latest train operating company performance figures released by OPRAF:
"In my opinion, rail industry managers have taken on board the sharp comments on operating performance from John Prescott. That said, neither oil tankers nor capital-intensive rail industries are turned around quickly. As both the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have said, delivering the rail service the public wants and needs may take ten years. To cope with the heavy and growing congestion in road and air transport we need better rail services on a larger capacity network. That takes investment as well as better management.
"It is the SSRA's task to stimulate both, but large areas of that network are delivering a more punctual service than air or road usually offer. However, quality of service is variable and passenger expectations are much higher than they were. Operating management has a great deal to do and OPRAF is marking its card.
"For decades the network has not been allowed to plan for growth. Now it is carrying many more passengers, much more freight and many additional services. New rolling stock ordered since privatisation is only now coming into service.
"What I believe is emerging is a Premier League of still only a few train operators, improving the capacity and performance of gradually improving assets. The remainder may be First or Second Division: they need to raise their game. Railtrack has promised to do so. Its promise will be under close scrutiny in the coming year."
Railnews Archive ::: 1999-05-19 SRA-001
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