News
90% OF TRAINS ON TIME FOR NORTHERN
17th June 2009
Northern has achieved a major milestone in delivering a more punctual train service for its growing numbers of passengers.
More than 90% of trains have run on time in the last 12 months compared to 83.79% in the 12 months before Northern started operating in December 2004.
Northern also delivered its best-ever monthly performance figure in May, with 94% of trains on time.
The improvement in train performance represents 160 more trains per day arriving on time now than in 2004. Northern runs 2,600 train services per day, more than any other train operator in Britain.
Northern has improved train performance due to several initiatives, including:
- improving the reliability of its 290-strong fleet of trains, which have an average age of 20 years, by 50% since the start of the franchise
- providing all conductors and station dispatchers with ‘atomic’ watches to ensure trains depart at the correct time
- working closely with Network Rail to reduce infrastructure related delays and improve the management of incidents through co-located control centres
Heidi Mottram, Managing Director of Northern, said: “We’re delighted our passengers are experiencing our most punctual service yet. We run 2600 trains every day and have worked hard to improve their punctuality during our franchise. But we know there is more that we can do and we’re continuing to work with Network Rail to ensure more and more of our trains run on time.”
Network Rail's route director Jo Kaye said: "This is a magnificent achievement and Northern is to be congratulated.
"Many of the problems that cause delays and cancellations can be outside Network Rail's direct control, such as bad weather, cable thefts and other acts of railway crime. What we have done, in conjunction with Northern, is get better at responding to such incidents and also to our own equipment failures.
"What we now need to do is keep up the good work so that this becomes the norm rather than the exception."
Kerry Williamson, Passenger Focus manager, welcomed news that Northern has improved its punctuality record: “Trains arriving on time is a top priority for passengers and Northern Rail’s success in setting a new record will be a welcome relief for those who have been stuck on the platform or sat waiting on a delayed train.”
