01.03.07
Passengers are experiencing wide differences in rail services
Passenger Focus, the independent national rail consumer watchdog, has said today that passengers are experiencing wide differences in rail services depending on the train operator they travel with.
Passenger Focus’ latest National Passenger Survey results show that, while train operators face different challenges, improvements made by First ScotRail, Southern, and Chiltern Railways among others, have left operators such as First Great Western, ‘one’ and First Capital Connect, needing to catch up.
Passenger Focus’ regular survey of over 25,000 passengers shows what passengers really think of Britain’s railways. More than four out of five passengers (81%) are satisfied with their overall journey – 47% fairly satisfied and 33% very satisfied - and 79% of passengers are satisfied with the punctuality and reliability of their journey - a top priority for passengers. However, these national averages mask differences across Britain.
National Passenger Survey results show that only 43% of passengers nationally are satisfied with value for money and the number of passengers content with the room available to sit or stand has also decreased, with only 60% of passengers now satisfied.
Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, said; “For some passengers things are moving in the right direction. However there are still big areas for improvement, not least value for money and crowding.
“The disparity between train companies is significant-passengers have a right to expect a good level of service across the board.”
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