Failing rail firms may lose franchise
Article Abstract:
John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister is looking at ways of speeding up the rail regulators' response to continuing poor standards of service from UK rail operators which may include instant fines of GB 1mn minimum, as it transpires that there will be insufficient legislative time to debate the formation of a strategic rail authority for inclusion in the Queen's speech in November 1998. Mr Prescott is determined to safeguard passengers from persistent poor standards of rail service, and the new measures could result in companies losing their franchises before they are due for renewal if no improvement is seen in services hit by delays and cancellations. Both rail regulators and MPs have criticised Connex, the French operator of the South Eastern and South Central commuter routes in and around London because of its failure to disclose that its directors have received bonuses of between GB 20,000 and GB 30,000.
Comment:
UK: Deputy Prime Minister looks at ways to speed up rail regulators' response to continuing poor standards of svc from operators
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
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Virgin tops rail moans
Article Abstract:
Figures recorded by the Independent on Sunday newspaper, for the Rail Regulator's office have revealed that Virgin Trains receives more complaints than any other rail company. Some 195,000 passengers sent written complaints while 7,000 made telephone calls. Virgin has responded by declaring that not all communications are complaints, some were nothing but simple enquiries while others complimented the company on its service. Virgin is not the only privatised rail company to receive a lot of complaints; South West Trains received more than 32,000 complaints following the cancellation of many journeys because too many drivers had received the sack. Great North Eastern Railways (GNER) also recorded 85,000 complaints mostly of overcrowding.
Comment:
Receives more complaints than any other rail company, according to figures recorded by the Independent on Sunday newspaper
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1998
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UK: RAILTRACK TO LOSE STRATEGIC ROLE
Article Abstract:
The UK government and the Strategic Rail Authority will effectively assume control of the railways from Railtrack, which will have no power to decide on investment from spring 2001 over the coming ten years. Railtrack's strategic role in planning enhancements would be lost under a move regarded as a sign of the increasing frustration shown by Prime Minister Tony Blair with train delays. Railtrack will oversee day-to-day maintenance and the west coast main line modernisation programme, costing GBu 5.8bn.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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