21.05.12
Threshold for late trains should be reduced – MSPs
MSPs are calling for changes in the rules that see late trains classed as ‘on-time’.
The Scottish Parliament’s Infrastructure Committee has analysed the state of rail services and highlighted several improvements that could be made.
Currently, long-distance services are classes as on-time as long as they arrive within ten minutes of the stated time of arrival. The MSPs are calling for this threshold to be cut to just one minute.
The report reads: “The committee considers these thresholds do not adequately reflect the difficulties and inconvenience caused to passengers who are on trains that arrive late but still within the relevant threshold.
“The committee, therefore, recommends the thresholds should be reduced, on a phased basis if necessary, so that a train will be considered on-time only if it arrives within a minute of its timetabled target.”
Other recommendations include getting better value for money in franchising process, extending franchise periods, and simpler fare and ticketing structures.
Infrastructure committee convener and SNP MSP Maureen Watt said: “Underpinning all actions in relation to the future ofScotland’s railway service must be the passenger – who cares little about how the franchise is run, as long as it delivers value for money, punctuality, frequent services and most importantly, a seat.
A Scottish government spokesperson said: “The Scottish government is thoroughly committed to encouraging more people to use public transport and our record investment in the railways is evidence of this.”
To view the report, visit www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_InfrastructureandCapitalInvestmentCommittee/Reports/trr-12-06w.pdf
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