1999-02-25 Consultation on the development of rail services starts in March (OPRAF)

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date 13 May 1999
source ATOC
type Press release

Passenger rail demand will be easier to forecast following new research commissioned by the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and Railtrack.

It is the first time that train operators have worked jointly with Railtrack in an industry-wide study of passenger demand.

ATOC and Railtrack have jointly commissioned Steer Davies Gleave, in partnership with the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR) to build computer models which can be used throughout the industry to forecast passenger rail demand.

The aim of the study is to determine how the overall transport market is shifting and how it may change in future. Steer Davies Gleave will also assess the changing nature of competition with other modes, how travel patterns vary by area and traveller-type and what operators and Railtrack can do to attract more people to travel by rail.

ATOC Director George Muir said: "This study is a good example of train operators and Railtrack co-operating to address common issues. Passenger rail revenue has grown by 40 per cent over the past four years and this new method will help the industry to examine the reasons for this growth in more depth and be able to better predict future growth."

Railtrack recently announced in its Network Management Statement - a major programme of investment capable of accommodating operators’ growth aspirations. Paul Prescott, Railtrack Strategy Director said:

"I am delighted that Railtrack and the train companies are now working together on this joint programme of research. It should lead to improved understanding of the factors driving growth in demand for rail travel and will support the £27 billion expenditure plan announced in our Network Management Statement."

Jim Steer, Managing Director of Steer Davies Gleave said: "We are delighted to have won this important study, which comes at a time of great change for passenger rail travel in Britain. While the recent significant increases in rail passenger demand are widely known, the market mechanics that underlie them are less well understood.

"Robust forecasts and a common industry forecasting framework will enable all parties to plan investment and develop marketing strategies with greater confidence."



ENDS

For more information: David Shilton, Steer Davies Gleave, 0171 919 8500 or fax 0171 827 9850.

Railhub Archive ::: 1999-05-13 ATO-002