ATOC

Train operators pledge early passenger improvements
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date 31 August 2001
source ATOC
type Press release

Train Operators today pledged to work with Government and their industry partners to deliver short-term service improvements for passengers.

Responding to the publication of the Rail Passengers Council's Annual Report, Association of Train Operating Companies Director General, George Muir said: "The RPC has highlighted the post-Hatfield period as the worst peace-time disruption ever for rail passengers.We agree.

"But we have learned a lot of lessons and the industry is now working more closely than ever before to get services back to the levels people expect. We introduced a normal summer timetable in May and since then, on average, four out of five trains have been operating punctually.

"However, we all recognise there is much more to do.

"The Government has set out a new approach to railway policy, focussing on delivering short-term passenger benefits within existing or extended franchises while, at the same time, continuing to deliver the longer-term aspirations contained in the 10-year Transport Plan."

Train operators have responded positively to this shift and have pledged to work with Government and industry partners to deliver safety, capacity and reliability improvements over the next few months. Examples are:

o The Train Protection and Warning System fitment programme is on schedule - 1,000 cabs fitted (20% of the passenger fleet).

o recruiting and training additional drivers - 1,100 drivers currently in training, up from 800 a year ago

o new rolling stock starting passenger service - 600 new carriages now in service with a further 200 expected shortly

o 2,500 cabs, about half the fleet, have been fitted with sanders to combat low adhesive caused by leaf fall in the Autumn.

ENDS

For more information: ATOC press office (020) 79043010
Or Pager 0870 055 5500, pager number 840 106

Railhub Archive ::: 2001-08-31 ATO-001