Poll: Does lack of punctuality put you off using trains?
Network Rail "failed to deliver" on major commuter and long-distance route punctuality last year, with many thousands more late trains than there should have been, rail regulators said today.
Committed to deliver average punctuality levels of 92 per cent on long-distance passenger services in 2013/14, the company "fell significantly short" with a figure of 86.9 per cent, the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) said.
As a result, under an order made by ORR in 2012, Network Rail is having to return £53.1 million to the Treasury in what is effectively a fine.
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On long-distance performance in the five years ending March 2014, the ORR said Network Rail "did not deliver all of its plans to improve performance and, particularly in the early years of the (five-year) funding period, had insufficient knowledge of the condition of its key assets, such as earthworks, electrical equipment and drainage".
The ORR said: "As a result of missing its funded obligations, and to address issues which have disrupted services for passengers, the company has committed extra funds to improve the resilience of the rail network in LSE. Plans expected to include projects costing at least £25 million must be in place by December 2014."
Over the period 2009-14, the ORR concluded that there were approximately 73,100 additional late trains over and above funded obligations.
The ORR was, however, pleased with certain aspects of NR's performance over the period 2009-14.
It said the company had delivered a major rail enhancement programme largely on time and budget, bringing real benefits to passengers. Across 118 projects, 98 were delivered early or on time, with only one delayed in a way which had a big impact on customers.
Also, NR had made significant investment in Britain's freight network through projects to improve capacity and reliability of freight services.
The company had also helped to improve safety at level crossings, as more than 800 crossings across Britain have been upgraded or closed.
Shropshire's direct rail link to London remains on track to be delivered by December.
The Government has already agreed to the establishment of a county service to the capital, as have Network Rail and Virgin Trains. It follows a Shropshire Star campaign to make the link a reality. It would mean direct trains from Telford, Wellington and Shrewsbury, avoiding the need to change services at Birmingham.
