British Failways
Train that was late 240 times in a year, and other culprits
DOZENS of our rail services usually arrive late, research has shown – and one train was behind schedule a remarkable 240 times last year.
The worst journey was the 9.24am from Caterham, Surrey, to London Victoria, said experts Raildar, who analysed all journeys in England in 2017.
The 240 occasions the Govia Thameslink service was late included every working day in October apart from one – on which it was cancelled. And it has been late every day so far this year.
Our failing trains are exposed just as weekly ticket prices rise by an average of 3.4% –the biggest increase in five years.
The 10.27pm from Leicester to Birmingham New Street, operated by Cross Country, was late 239 times, while Govia Thameslink’s 5.28pm service from Brighton to London Victoria was just behind with 238 late arrivals.
A spokesman for Govia Thameslink said: “A significant proportion of the causes of these delays are beyond our control.” And Cross Country said their worst service was “frequently delayed by other trains on its journey”.
Campaigners say passengers pay skyhigh fares and face daily delays and cancellations for often overcrowded services. And there will more misery next Monday, Wednesday and Friday when RMT union members will strike over the role of guards at South Western Railway, Arriva Rail North, Merseyrail and Greater Anglia, and on Monday on Southern.
Bruce Williamson, of pressure group Railfuture said: “We all want a reliable punctual train service, and it must be very frustrating for passengers that they aren’t getting it.
“While refunds are available for late trains, everyone would be happier not to have to receive them.
“The pain of recent inflation-busting rail fares might be easier to swallow if we didn’t have to put up with timetable-busting rail services.”
It now costs less to drive the 1,140 miles from Inverness, Scotland, to London and back than go by train, after fare rises. It costs £125 to drive, while the cheapest next-day return has risen to £171.40.