Department of Transport

Rail watchdog says complaints down nearly a third
_______________________________________________________________

date 4 December 1996
source Department of Transport
type Press release

note 374

Transport Secretary Sir George Young today hailed the 30% drop in
railway passenger complaints and praised the new rail companies for
progress towards the convenient, comfortable and hospitable railway
that rail users deserve.

Welcoming the new ideas, new resources and new investment the private
sector has already injected into the industry, Sir George outlined
the benefits to passengers at the annual general meeting of the rail
users watchdog - the Central Rail Users Consultative Committee:

"The proof of any pudding is always in the eating - and rail
privatisation is no exception. We always knew that privatisation's
real benefits to passengers would not be acknowledged until rail
users began to experience them first hand. Those benefits are now
beginning to make themselves felt, but the best is yet to come.

"A major surge in investment is gathering pace, with substantial
rolling stock orders in prospect. Franchisees are planning to open
new railway stations and are investing in improving security and
access. We have the prospect of tilting trains, improved reliability
and faster journey times for passengers. Rail bus links have been
established, and new bargain fares are coming thick and fast. With
companies like Virgin, Sea Containers and National Express investing
heavily in the railways, public transport has some powerful new
allies - something which can only be good for rail users.

"By the end of the financial year I hope and expect the whole of the
passenger railway will be in the private sector and that rail users
everywhere will be able to look forward to the kind of benefits the
private sector is already introducing in large parts of the country.
As we approach the end of 1996, the people who use Britain's railways
are already enjoying the benefits of a private rail industry. They
can look forward to an ever brighter future."

Notes to editors

1. The Central Rail users Consultative Committee recently published
figures showing the number of passenger complaints during July,
August and September, compared to the equivalent period last year,
were showing an overall drop of 30%. Complaints about overcrowding,
cancellations and punctuality were down by nearly 50%. Those on fares
and timetables are also substantially down. These were the first
complaints figures to emerge since franchising of the passenger
railway companies gained momentum.

[[no further notes]]

Railhub Archive ::: 1996-12-04 DoT-002