8 IN VIEW
ON THE WRONG TRACK
A new analysis of government statistics has shown that the rail companies serving Lancashire are among the least reliable in the country.
Travel deal site Tripplo used data from the Office of Rail and Road between January 2021 and September 2023 to find the percentage of train journeys that were either cancelled or delayed by 15 minutes or more.
The worst offender was Avanti West Coast, which connects Preston, Lancaster and Blackpool with Edinburgh, Glasgow, the Midlands and London.
According to the official figures, 15.36 per cent of its trains were either cancelled or delayed.
TransPennine Express, which connects Lancaster and Preston with Scotland, Liverpool
reliable operator (Great Anglia, 2.2 per cent) than the worst, but still ranks in the bottom half of the league table.
According to the Office of Rail and Road, the percentage of recorded station stops arriving ‘on time’ – which means early or less than one minute after the scheduled time – was nationally just 62.2 per cent in the latest quarter.
Axel Hernborg, founder of Tripplo, said: “The findings offer a glimpse into the state of the nation’s rail services.
“Across the nation, there’s a noticeable variation in performance, with some operators, such as Avanti West Coast, consistently underperforming.
“This variability in findings perhaps highlights the complexity of maintaining a cohesive rail network while emphasising the necessity for
Across the nation, there’s a noticeable variation
in performance, with some operators, such as Avanti West Coast, consistently underperforming
and Manchester, was placed seventh out of the 24 ranked operators, with almost 10 per cent of journeys delayed or cancelled.
The county’s main operator, Northern, which serves stations throughout the county, placed 11th, with 6.5 per cent of journeys affected. The company performs closer to the most
ongoing evaluation, strategic planning, and investment to bolster reliability standards and enhance the overall passenger experience.
“It’s no secret that the UK’s rail network is a far shout from those within mainland Europe in terms of efficiency and reliability, and these findings simply underscore that.”
EMBRACING THE AI REVOLUTION AND THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES IT BRINGS
Recently we were delighted to welcome the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Parker, for her first visit to Burnley College.
It struck me, as we introduced her to our latest technologies, like our cobots, 5-axis machines and 3D printers, just how fast- moving we are as a college.
If, like me, you sometimes find yourself in a whirlwind of technological evolution, you’re not alone! From navigating automatic checkouts and self check-in for flights to scanning into buildings, advancing technology is playing an ever-increasing role in our lives.
As AI and machine learning take centre stage, they are reshaping industry. The rapid adoption of these technologies are not just buzzwords; they’re transformative forces revolutionising key business processes across the globe.
But let’s talk about what this means for you and me - the workforces on the ground. With every leap AI and machine learning make,
Neil Burrows
a door opens, revealing new employment opportunities and demanding a fresh set of skills. Yes, the landscape is changing, but isn’t change the only constant?
Jobs requiring AI skills have seen a huge increase annually (some reports say 75 per cent). This isn’t just growth; it’s a revolution in employment dynamics.
Now, more than ever, for education providers like Burnley College, keeping up with innovation isn’t good enough; we must lead the way and be at the forefront
nburrows@burnley.ac.uk
of this educational evolution. With courses in AI, machine learning, data analysis and management, we are not just responding to the current demand but preparing our students and learners for the future.
Why are these skills in high demand? It’s simple. Industries across the spectrum – from healthcare to finance, from engineering to entertainment - are investing in AI and machine learning technologies. They recognise that to stay competitive and innovative, embracing these technologies is not an option; it’s a necessity.
The message is clear: the future belongs to those prepared to ride the wave of technological advancements. By arming ourselves with the right skills and knowledge, we can secure our place in the future of work and also shape it.
It’s a brave new world, and I’m learning to embrace it. How do you feel about the technological revolution? Drop me a line and let me know.
Under-fire Avanti West Coast was handed a long- term rail contract in October last year after the government said it was ‘back on track’.
It had initially placed the company on two consecutive short-term, six-month contracts and ordered bosses to develop a recovery plan aimed at addressing poor performance on vital routes which were brought on by a shortage of available drivers.
The new National Rail Contract has a core term of three years and a maximum possible term of nine years. After three years, the transport secretary can terminate the contract at any point with three months’ notice.
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