Firm commissions report into chaos on the tracks
RAIL operator Northern is commissioning an independent report after a slew of cancellations and delays caused chaos for passengers.
Bosses have apologised for the disruption and say the report will look into the processes leading up to the timetable change – which has caused misery for thousands of customers.
Government bosses have also been forced to come up with a ‘recovery plan’ for the beleaguered rail operator. It comes as the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers carried out strike action on Saturday – meaning a limited service was in place.
The independent report and recommendations will look into the preparations and processes leading up to the implementation of the timetable change. Customers, transport and Northern stakeholders will be invited to contribute.
Northern say the timetable change is designed to boost capacity with better trains and more services but admit it has not delivered an acceptable service for customers.
David Brown, managing director of Northern, said bosses are doing everything they can to minimise cancellations and delays and keep their customers informed. “It has been difficult for many of our customers and I am truly sorry for this,” he said. There is urgent work to do to fully understand what did and didn’t work on all aspects of planning and delivery of the new timetable.
“We are committed to working with Network Rail and Northern stakeholders to deliver the services our customers expect and deserve.”
Martin Frobisher, managing director for Network Rail’s London North Western route, also apologised and added: “We are working hard with Northern to get service back to where it needs to be. We will work as one team to achieve this.
“The independent report will ensure lessons are learned and that there are no repeats of current problems as we prepare for the next major timetable change in December this year.”
The Rail North Partnership, along with The Department for Transport and Transport for the North (TftN), have agreed an action plan with Northern to introduce improved driver rostering, training and additional contingency drivers.
Northern also agreed to put extra services in place at peak times along the Bolton corridor, including between Buckshaw, Lancashire and Manchester Victoria and Preston and Manchester Oxford Road.
The plan, also included ‘improved communications’ from Northern on Twitter, so customers are kept up to date.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said the ‘debacle’ points up issues with the rail network.
He called for Arriva Rail North, which runs the franchise, to address its staffing shortage and agree to a plan to improve its services – or face being stripped by the government. After a conference call with Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, Mr Burnham also called for fines if the company failed to pay timely compensation to passengers.