11.11.14
‘The statement on punctuality cannot be substantiated’
Sometimes the DfT’s claims get the better of it.
Rail minister Claire Perry MP has been forced to give a correction to Parliament after she said in a debate at the end of October: “We have the safest and most punctual railways in Europe.”
In her correction, she said: “While we do have the safest major railway in Europe, as well as the most improved railway in Europe according to the European Commission, the statement on punctuality cannot be substantiated. Whilst we do not have comparable statistics that show how our railway is currently ranked for punctuality, we can say that UK rail passengers are amongst the most satisfied in Europe with train punctuality and reliability.”
The whole debate – focusing on what the MPs said was poor value and service on South West Trains – can be read here.
In it, Tory MP Dominic Raab said: “With the fragmented nature of responsibility for rail services, it has got difficult to get straight answers to straight questions. As an MP, I find it difficult to explain to commuters and constituents why the high fares they pay deliver so little in return. My hon. Friends have made that point. What action has been taken to deliver a fairer deal for my constituents and the many others using South West Trains who feel as though they are treated like a cash cow, despite travelling in sub-cattle class conditions?”