One in five ScotRail services not on time

Published on 16/12/2004 14:58

MORE ScotRail trains are running late with almost one in five services not making the platform on time.

The performance of ScotRail, which was recently taken over by Aberdeen-based transport giant FirstGroup, slipped between July and September this year and the same time last year.

Figures from the Strategic Rail Authority show that 17.2 per cent of the Scottish franchise’s trains were late compared to 13 per cent during the same period a year earlier.

The SRA also revealed today that a quarter of long-distance trains serving the Capital did not run on time.

More than 23 per cent of GNER trains and almost 25 per cent of Virgin Cross Country services failed in the punctuality stakes, although both companies made significant improvements.

The damning figures today sparked calls from rail campaigners for a lift in performance from ScotRail and its new franchise operator FirstGroup.

Robert Samson, spokesman for the Rail Passengers Committee Scotland, said: "The ScotRail figures are disappointing because they have slipped.

"This is due to a number of reasons, the reliability of the fleet and infrastructure problems. But at the end of the day, regardless of this, passengers will be disappointed.

"It is good news for long-distance operators that their performance has improved, although from a low starting point. We hope this trend will continue."

According to the SRA, on average 20.25 per cent of long-distance operators across Britain were late with almost 17 per cent of regional operators such as ScotRail.

A spokeswoman for First ScotRail said: "Improving performance is our top priority. As these figures show, we inherited a declining performance trend and we are working very hard to turn this around."

A spokesman for GNER said: "GNER is pleased with our reliability improvement of our trains. We have created the most reliable long-distance train fleet in Britain due to a 65 million train overhaul."

A spokesman for Virgin Trains said the firm had lifted its punctuality record compared to the previous period.

He said: "It is a welcome improvement . Obviously, we would like to see further improvements in the future."

SRA chairman David Quarmby said significant improvements in the performance of Britain’s railways were being achieved. He said: "Passenger satisfaction levels and passenger numbers are both improving as is freight traffic. Sustained efforts by train operators and by Network Rail are beginning to bear fruit."

Kenny MacAskill, Lothians MSP for the SNP, called for the franchises to be brought back under public ownership.

He said: "This is unacceptable for commuters. Changing the livery of trains like ScotRail is simply not enough. The problems are more deep rooted. The Scottish Parliament must commit the investment to the network, which has been subject to under-investment for decades. This is not a quick fix. Rail is vital to the economy and not just simply for travelling."

Earlier this month, rail companies warned that passengers face above-inflation price rises for tickets next year, prompting protests from rail passenger groups.

ScotRail and GNER said their fares would go up by an average of four per cent, in line with increases across the rest of the UK. Virgin Crosscountry said it would be following suit.