27.11.17
Rail passengers still want value for money above all else
Rail passengers want value for money to improve above anything else, according to a recent survey.
Independent watchdog Transport Focus quizzed almost 13,000 people about factors that would improve their journey experience, with value for money coming out top.
Passengers also rated finding a seat and better punctuality as priorities for improvement.
This latest study suggests that passengers’ opinions have changed very little in the past three years, with Passenger Focus’s report back in 2014 showing the same wish list.
Anthony Smith, the organisation’s chief executive, explained that although a price freeze would be welcome, “improving value for money is about more than ticket prices.”
The industry’s ability to deliver on its timetable promises, the length of trains and information during delays are important factors in value for money, as is ensuring that passengers feel that they have bought the best value ticket for their journey, he continued, because “split ticketing erodes trust and reform of the fares structure is still some way off.”
“The desire to get a seat or at least stand in comfort can be hard to deliver even with the welcome new and bigger trains coming into use – passenger numbers continue to grow,” said Smith.
“However, this report throws a highlight on the industry to make sure that crowding is not made worse by poor performance, cancellations or short formed trains: again, the basic things we expect.”
Main Image: Torsten Dettlaff
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