The GTMC’s Paul Wait says: “We
have been calling for open access with the support of the business travel com- munity since early 2014, and we strongly supported the proposal put forward by GNWR. The rejection of this proposal has a significant impact on business travellers as the benefits of fairer pricing, connectivity and productivity would be significant. “The rationale for not allowing competi- tion is that it may reduce the amount that bidders will pay the government to run the West Coast franchise. However, once the outcome of the election is known and firmer transport policies are established, pressure to call for franchise reform and open access will only intensify.” Evidence that open access works is
It’s tempting to see open- access operators as Davids taking on Goliaths, but this is not the case
THALIW150218-01-Ad_Thalys_180x128mm_03_HD.pdf
also provided by Passenger Focus, the watchdog that conducts independent passenger surveys twice a year. The most recent finds that highest level of satisfac- tion with UK train operators was shared by Grand Central and Heathrow Express,
1 22/02/15 11:58
both with 94 per cent, while the poorest performers were commuter operators Southeastern (74 per cent), Southern and Govia Thameslink (both 77 per cent). Overall satisfaction was down from 83 per cent in autumn 2013 to 81 per cent in autumn 2014, with another open-access operator, First Hull Trains, also doing well with 89 per cent. It’s tempting to see open-access opera- tors as Davids taking on Goliaths, but this is not the case. Grand Central and GNWR are both part of Arriva, which runs the Chil- tern, Wales and Cross Country franchises, and is, in turn, owned by German rail operator Deutsche Bahn. Hull Trains is owned by another major transport opera- tor, First Group.
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BBT MARCH/APRIL 2015 91
Operated by Eurostar Regular Service
Connections Airports
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Antwerp Ostend Bruges London Lille Ghent BRUSSELS Charleroi Airport Mons Roissy CDG PARIS Charleroi COLOGNE Namur Liège Aachen Cologne/Bonn Brussels Airport
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