26.03.09
100,000 hours of rail delays last year
Trains were delayed for 100,000 hours over the last year, according to information uncovered by the Liberal Democrats.
The information provided by the Association of Train Operating Companies shows that over the last 12 months:
• More than 21,000 trains were more than half an hour late
• Almost 3,000 trains were more than one hour late
• 144,000 trains were either completely or partially cancelled
• Trains were delayed for almost 100,000 hours in total
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary Norman Baker said:
“Despite having to pay the most expensive rail fares in Europe, British travellers are expected to put up with having their rail services replaced by buses on a regular basis, with overcrowding an everyday event.
“Today’s figures show that passengers are also putting up with thousands of hours of delays. Passengers are simply not getting the rail service they deserve.
“Our rail network is in dire need of investment to increase capacity and ensure that our transport system doesn’t shut down at the first hint of bad weather.”
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