NEWS
National Passenger Survey shows satisfaction at 82%
Overall passenger satisfaction with the rail network remains high at 82%, the latest National Passenger Survey (NPS) shows, though down from its 85% peak in the previous survey.
The latest survey, covering January to March 2013, shows that satisfaction is also down on the same period last year when it stood at 83%.
The only operator to improve compared to that period was Greater Anglia (from 73% to 77%). But it remains one of the poorest performing TOCs, the survey showed. The one significant drop in satisfaction was London
Midland, from 87% to 80%. That operator had significant problems in the autumn and winter with cancellations due to staff shortages.
The operators with the highest satisfaction were First Hull Trains at 95%, Heathrow Express (94%) and Grand Central (93%).
The lowest were Northern at 76%, First Capital Connect with 76%, Greater Anglia (77%), and Southeastern and Southern, both with 78%.
Satisfaction with value for money varied between 17% and 76%, and satisfaction with sufficient
Civils works to cut Midland Main Line journey times
Network Rail is to rebuild Finedon Station Road bridge (pictured) as part of a £70m investment to reduce journey times on the Midland Main Line between London and Sheffield.
Line speed increases are being made between Leicester and Trent
South Junction, on the line to Kettering, around the Toton area, and between Nottingham and Sheffield. Two bridges are also being rebuilt in the Leicestershire area.
The project will provide extra headroom for trains to travel at
higher speed, cutting up to eight minutes off journey times.
Justin Page, Network Rail acting route managing director, said: “This work will deliver quicker journeys for the ever-growing number of passengers on the Midland Main Line, helping
to bring the region’s biggest economies closer together.
“Our longer-term plans to upgrade and electrify the line will transform our diesel railway into one of the most modern in Europe providing more seats, even faster journeys, and cleaner and quieter trains.”
room to sit and stand varied from 44% to 95%. Passenger Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: “Given that performance is the key factor that underpins most passengers’ general view of the railway, train companies and Network Rail must keep striving to get more trains on time.”
David Mapp, commercial director at ATOC, said: “While these results show that there is room for improvement, passengers are voting with their feet and taking more journeys than at any time since the 1920s on newer trains, with more services arriving punctually.”
Smart ticketing launched for Manchester
TfGM has introduced a new smart ticketing system for Manchester, to be known as the ‘get me there’ scheme. It will cover Metrolink trams, buses and rail services with roll-out beginning next year.
The name has already proved controversial in the local press, but chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, Cllr Andrew Fender, called it “one of the most exciting developments in public transport in Greater Manchester in many years”.
He said: “London may have its Oyster and Liverpool its Walrus, but we like to embrace
6 | rail technology magazine Jun/Jul 13
the challenge of doing things differently here, which is why we have chosen a different kind of name with get me there.”
There will be a dedicated card available, but passengers can also use existing TfGM concessionary photo cards, contactless bank cards, and in the future smart phones.
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