Network Rail

Network Rail reduces delay minutes - best third quarter performance for four years
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date 11 March 2004
source Network Rail
type Press release

note PR04018

Following the publication of the SRA’s ‘Rail Trends’, which show a very significant improvement in train punctuality during the final quarter of 2003, Network Rail is pleased to announce its own performance for that period.

Network Rail delay minutes reduced by 246% in the final three months of 2003, contributing to the overall improvement in punctuality for rail passengers. Performance for the quarter was the best for four years.

Network Rail’s efforts mean that delay minutes were at their lowest level for this quarter since before the crash at Hatfield (17 October 2000). Total delay minutes for October – December 2003 were 3.3 million compared to 4.4 million in the same period the previous year and 7.9 million in 2000.

What’s more, Network Rail’s share of total delays also fell over the three months. The company was responsible for some 46.54% of rail delays, with external factors (suicides, lineside fires, bridge strikes) causing over 610-12% of delays and the remainder attributable to the train operating companies.

Delays per incident, which had risen stubbornly for almost four years, showed a sustained drop, with infrastructure causes down by some 16%.

Iain Coucher, Network Rail’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We said when we took control of the infrastructure that we would deliver tangible improvements in performance within 18 months. There is now irrefutable evidence that we are delivering on that promise. These are the best last quarter figures since before Hatfield, and whilst we realise there is a long way to go, we are starting to deliver significant improvements for passengers.”

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Notes to editors:

Network Rail is the 'not for dividend' operator of Britain's rail network. Our objective is to provide safe, reliable and efficient rail infrastructure.

We own and maintain the tracks, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, and level crossings. We also own the network’s 2,500 stations, and manage the largest and the busiest. We provide access to the tracks for every passenger and freight train, timetable their journeys, and operate the signalling, which controls their movements.

Network Rail is a company limited by guarantee with members instead of shareholders. It is run as a commercial organisation, but any operating surplus is re-invested in the rail network.

Our core focus is the operation, maintenance and renewal of existing rail infrastructure, with the Strategic Rail Authority taking the lead on enhancement projects.

We have set clear targets to improve performance and reduce costs, but safety is always at the forefront of our activities as we rebuild Britain's railway.

Details about the Company can be found on the Network Rail web site: www.networkrail.co.uk

For media enquiries please contact the Network Rail press office on
020 7557 8292 / 3

Railhub Archive ::: 2004-03-11 NET-001