§ 49. Dr. StoateTo ask the Minister of Transport if he will make a statement on the punctuality performance of route groups of train services in the last quarter of(a) 1997 and (b) 1996. [24937]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonIn the last quarter of 1997 (14 September–6 December 1997) punctuality performance for 28 route groups of train services was better than in the last quarter of 1996 (13 October 1996—4 January 1997); for 27 route groups it was worse; and for two route groups performance was the same. (Changes to the structure of some of the route groups and the addition or deletion of some others mean that comparable information for nine route groups is not available). Details are shown in the quarterly bulletins published by the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising on 15 January 1998 and 4 February 1997, copies of which are in the Library.
The Franchising Director has expressed his concern about recent performance levels. We look to him to monitor train operators closely, to enforce the terms of the franchise agreements and to seek improvements in performance in the interests of passengers.
§ 52. Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Minister of Transport how many route groups of train services performed with worse punctuality in the last quarter of 1997 than in the same period of 1996. [24940]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonTwenty-seven route groups out of the 57 for which comparable information is available. Changes to the structure of some of the route groups and the addition or deletion of some others mean that comparable information for nine route groups is not available. Details are shown in the quarterly bulletins published by the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising on 15 January 1998 and 4 February 1997, copies of which are in the House Library.