Train delays are the worst for 12 years
MORE than a million trains arrived late in the past year as punctuality on Britain’s railways slumped to its lowest level since 2006.
One in seven trains arrived at their final destination behind schedule as severe weather and the bungled introduction of a new timetable caused mayhem for commuters.
The figures were released by the Office of Rail and Road watchdog which assesses the reliability of train services. It uses the Public Performance Measure to check whether a train arrives at its final destination within five minutes of the scheduled time, or ten minutes for a long-distance service.
A total of 14 per cent of trains missed the PPM target in the 12 months to August 18 – 1.03million services out of the 7.38million scheduled. The last time the annual rolling average was worse was in February 2006 when it stood at 14.2 per cent.
Peter Vicary-Smith, of consumer group Which?, said: ‘These latest statistics are damning but unsurprising given a year of delays and cancellations that have left many passengers at their wits’ end.’
He insisted: ‘With trust in the industry at an all-time low, it is vital that the outcome of any inquiry or review reflects the needs and experiences of passengers.
‘As a starting point, the Government must introduce auto compensation so that passengers get the money that they are owed.’ The disruption for passengers over the past year has been seized on by Labour as evidence the franchising system is ‘broken’ and fuelled its calls to renationalise the railways.
Punctuality was hit by the spell of freezing weather nicknamed the Beast from the East crippling parts of the network in February and March. Passengers faced further chaos when new timetables were introduced on May 20. There was major disrup- tion to journeys in the North and South East of England for several weeks. The ORR will publish its interim report into the cause of the problems on Thursday.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling is expected to launch a review of the railways on the same day amid criticism of the franchising model. It is designed to fend off calls for the trains to be renationalised, which Tories believe would bring back the bad old days of British Rail.
Robert Nisbet, of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train firms, said: ‘The industry is working hard to deliver its longterm plan to drive better punctuality so that more services arrive on time.’