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London TravelWatch, the watchdog for transport users in and around London, has responded to the Office of Rail Regulation’s (ORR) investigation into Network Rail’s management of engineering projects, in the light of problems over Christmas and New Year.
Brian Cooke, Chairman, London TravelWatch said: “The sheer scale of the engineering overrun at Liverpool St, and the lack of timely advice and information provided for passengers, was totally unacceptable.
"The many thousands of passengers using Liverpool St should be able to rely on the rail network, and the information should be up-to-date and reliable. It is clear that in this instance, this was not the case.”
London TravelWatch’s response explores the claim that a shortage of engineers to do the work caused some of the problems.
"We argue that if engineers working on Liverpool St were switched to Rugby, where there was also an overrun, it would raise serious questions concerning the ability of Network Rail to manage projects and prioritise work.
Brian Cooke continued: “While we recognise that the West Coast Mainline is a prestigious and high-profile project, the number of passengers affected by Rugby is significantly lower than at Liverpool St – Britain’s busiest railway terminus with over 120 million passengers every year, and 55 arrivals between 8 and 9 every morning alone – and we are extremely concerned that resources may have been allowed to be switched from this project.”
London TravelWatch also raised concerns that so soon after an investigation by ORR into breaching its licence over the Portsmouth re-signalling scheme, Network Rail should be subject to another investigation.
Brian Cooke said: “It is absolutely necessary that Network Rail learn real lessons to improve the service offered to passengers and, along with Passenger Focus, the national rail watchdog, that if the ORR conclude that Network Rail has breached its network licence, then it should be required to fund substantial improvements to passenger information, focussing on timely, relevant and accurate information at times of disruption. It is the least passengers expect, and deserve.”
