Rail crisis: passengers need reliable services and meaningful compensation

04 June 2018

Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said:

“Unprecedented delays, confusion and cancellations have made life miserable in recent weeks for some Northern, Thameslink and Great Northern passengers. Passengers are looking for recognition of the effects of this with compensation beyond the usual. Passengers need stability today so they can plan their lives again with some certainty.

“Transport Focus first warned about fresh timetabling problems last Autumn and recently updated that work finding more problems.

“An inquiry into what has happened is needed – including an understanding of how, despite strong assurances, these welcome investments and potential improvements have gone so sour. The relative roles played by governments, Network Rail and train companies need to be analysed and understood so that timetable planning can be put back on a proper footing for the long term.”

Notes to editors

Transport Focus’s investigation into timetable changes can be found here.