13.08.12
‘Outstanding’ Olympics for rail – ATOC
The national rail network delivered an “outstanding” service during the Olympics, says the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC).
Around 55% of spectators – up to five million people – used rail for part of their journeys to events. Train operating companies provided 12.4 million extra seats over the Games; an 18.5% increase on normal services.
Punctuality and reliability also held up, with available data showing PPM ranged from 91.5% to 94.7% from the first day of the Olympics.
Trains were run at full capacity, with extra service provided, longer trains and an extended timetable to accommodate late night events.
Michael Roberts, chief executive of ATOC, said: “As the world’s attention has been on Great Britain, the railway has played its part in showing that Britain can deliver an outstanding Olympic Games.
“Millions of passengers from here and abroad have been able to rely on their train to get them to their destination and home again, from early in the morning until well past midnight.
“We now look forward to the Paralympics when the railway will be equally focused on helping passengers get to and from events reliably and safely. Once London 2012 is over, our plan is to use the experience of the Games to learn how we can continue improving services and delivering for passengers.”
Southeastern saw over 7.7 million journeys during the Olympics.
Charles Horton, managing director of Southeastern said: “The service during the Olympics was the culmination of three years of meticulous planning and working with other industry partners, to deliver the best possible service during the Games.”
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