2001-01-02 Regulator requires train operator specific plans as part of national rail recovery plan (Office of the Rail Regulator)

2000-12-15 Train performance disappointing: ATOC (ATOC)

2000-10-09 Railtrack announces half year operating performance (Railtrack Group PLC)

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date 19 February 2001
source ATOC
type Press release

National Rail operators today announced a unique rail offer that will double commission rates for travel agents selling rail tickets from Sunday 4 March to Saturday 31 March.

During this period commission levels will double from nine to 18 per cent on all National Rail products sold by travel agents.

ATOC Director Commercial Services, Philip Benham, said: "Ticket sales have suffered considerably since the Hatfield accident and we have launched this promotion with the aim of encouraging travel agents to join the rest of the industry in getting people back to the trains.

"Although we have a little way to go on some routes, services are much improved with many now running normally. We expect further improvements as we move into March. We want our business back quickly, and believe this promotion will help us achieve this. Our aim is to get back customers back on rail by Easter."

"Travel Agents have suffered with us over the last few months and now we want them to share in success as we fight back."

"This is the first time such a promotion has been undertaken and we hope it emphasises the importance the rail industry places on the travel trade."

Commenting on the promotion, Elaine Holmes, Director of Traveleads, said: "This is an excellent promotion and I welcome the industry's support in helping travel agents recover from the impact on their business caused by Hatfield. For many of our customers, rail has and always will remain the backbone for transport throughout the UK and it is good to see the industry is making a rapid recovery."

John Munslow, Director of Account Management of Carlson Wagonlit Travel said: "We are pleased the industry has recognised the importance of travel agents in the campaign to bring back passengers. Rail travel is an integral part of our business and a necessity for many of our customers. Carlson Wagonlit will do everything possible to help the industry recover from the past three months by aiming to get customers who have left rail to get back on track."

Travel agents are able to sell the full range of National Rail products and this makes them an important link for rail travellers in specific geographic regions of the UK where there are no rail stations.

To further encourage travel agents to take part in the promotion, a number of prizes will be on offer every week, with a grand finale prize to be won at the end of the promotion.

ENDS

For more information: ATOC press office (020) 7904 3010

Railhub Archive ::: 2001-02-19 ATO-001