Passenger satisfaction on the increase on light rail

LIGHT rail passengers are generally happier than their heavy rail and bus counterparts, a new survey from Transport Focus has revealed.

Overall, 92% of tram passengers in the UK are happy with their service, compared with 86% of bus users and 83% of rail passengers.

A survey of 5,000 tram passengers in Blackpool, Edinburgh, Greater Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield and the West Midlands found that across the networks, overall satisfaction has risen from 90% in 2014 to 92% in 2015. Croydon was not included, as Transport for London had its own governance.

The largest increases in overall Bus Rail Tram journey satisfaction were on Manchester Metrolink and Sheffield Supertram, which increased from 85% to 89% and from 92% to 97% respectively. TF said that length of journey, perceived value for money and punctuality were the three key factors for satisfaction levels.

The passenger watchdog noted that almost half of surveyed passengers (49%) used trams to commute to/from work or education. It further noted that 36% of passengers suggested improvements that mostly centred on overcrowding and being able to get a seat.

The high scores could be down to recent investment, according to TF Passenger Director David Sidebottom. Another key issue was that users tended to have an affinity with the trams because the operators are managed locally.

“They know the market and co-ordinate it,” said Sidebottom, citing how Manchester Metrolink was able to scramble additional trams to serve football fans leaving Old Trafford following a bomb scare at the Manchester United vs Bournemouth match on May 15.

This is the third year TF had run the survey, and Sidebottom said that according to passengers, integration needs to be better, with smart ticketing also required and greater moves to contactless systems. How can we overcome the barriers to expanding light rail in the UK? Read the next issue of RailReview Q2-2016 (available in July). The innovative new brand from for business decision-makers. Hayes Knoll: The Swindon & Cricklade Railway’s recently restored Class 207 DEMU 1303 was severely damaged by fire on May 20. Oxford: Network Rail wants to spend £18 million installing two culverts to allow water to flow under the Didcot line at Kennington, instead of flooding the track. The city council is concerned that the work will leave 19 homes at risk instead. Paddington: Further excavation for Crossrail has uncovered remains of what are believed to be Brunel’s workshops. This follows the earlier discovery in the New Yard of an early turntable. Princes Risborough: Drunk passenger Stewart Crowdy ( 32) has been handed a nine- month suspended jail sentence at Oxford Crown Court, for attacking a railway staff member and riding along the track on his bike on December 23, after missing his stop and ending up in Banbury. He was also ordered to pay Chiltern Railways £ 7,000 compensation for delaying a total of 28 services.