Tweet Check
Welcome to RAIL’s new fact-checking service, which aims to answer your questions, debunk the myths, and get to the unvarnished truth behind some of the most common claims and queries we spot on social media.
Great western?
RAIL’s verdict: Reading East MP Matt Rodda’s contribution to a BBC Berkshire debate on delays on Great Western Railway services on February 5 drew a public apology from GWR for “performance last year that was not good enough”.
We can’t help but feel the Labour MP’s call for greater investment is a bit of a red herring, however, with approximately £800 million already invested by Network Rail on Reading station, and the ongoing Great Western Route Modernisation Programme expected to cost some £7.5 billion, including new trains.
Blame game
RAIL’s verdict: Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has long been one of Northern’s fiercest critics, having previously called on Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling (and also the Prime Minister) to intervene to either improve services or take steps to strip Arriva of the franchise.
However, he could have done with checking his facts on February 27, when services to and from Manchester were heavily affected by circumstances beyond the operator’s control. There was a points failure at Blackburn, signalling problems between Dinting and Hadfield, and trespassers in Salford.
Fare comment
RAIL’s verdict: This tweet from Cardiff MP Jo Stevens contains a bold claim that for the cost of a standard return rail ticket from Cardiff to London (£242), you could fly “to Barcelona, and back, three times and still have change for a taxi home”.
Leaving aside the fact that you can’t fly direct from Cardiff airport to the Catalan city, GWR says that significant savings can be made with advance fares available from £19 each way, Super Off-Peak returns available for £81.30, and an Off-Peak return for £107.80 (which is valid from 0826).
We can’t be sure where her information came from, but RAIL was unable to find a next-day one-way air fare for any less than £167.