17.04.09
National Express East Coast records best ever performance results
Train operator National Express East Coast has recorded the best performance results on the East Coast Main Line since rail privatisation more than ten years ago.
The latest statistics for the last period of the rail year on 31 March show that National Express East Coast’s public performance measure (PPM) – the percentage of trains arriving at their destination within ten minutes of time – reached 91.9 per cent. This period included a run of 11 days where PPM was over 90 per cent, with one day hitting 100 per cent. Overall for the rail year a PPM Annual Average of 86.9 per cent was achieved, which is a four per cent increase compared to figures from 2008.
National Express East Coast managing director Susan Goldsmith said; “This is an excellent achievement and is testament to the hard work of our employees as well as colleagues in Network Rail.
“This record performance result is the second time in six months that we have accomplished over 90 per cent PPM, having reached 91.2 per cent PPM for the four week period to Sunday October 12 last year – the first time this has been achieved since rail privatisation in 1996.
“We have introduced a performance management improvement plan and we are working more closely with Network Rail to improve infrastructure and our joint response to incidents. In addition, we have also just completed the rebuild of our diesel High Speed Trains fleet with new, high performing engines that will enhance the reliability of our trains.
“Of course we know there is much more for us to do to consistently deliver such outstanding train performance, and we will keep working hard to maintain the progress we have made”.
When National Express began its East Coast operation on 9 December 2007, the average public performance measure for the route – which combines the preceding 12 months - stood at 81.7 per cent. That average now stands at 86.9 per cent, placing National Express on track to achieve its target of 90.1 per cent by January 2010.
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]