§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if, pursuant to his answer of 24 April 1998,Official Report, columns 707–08 on Great Western trains, he will assess the effects of calculating train punctuality statistics in terms of the proportion of passengers who are delayed. [40245]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe method for calculating train punctuality statistics, which measures the number of scheduled services which arrive on time, is effective in monitoring the standard of punctuality that passengers generally receive and for assessing any compensation due under the terms of the relevant Passengers Charter. No change in method is proposed. A train is deemed on time if it arrives within a specified period of the scheduled arrival time. In respect of the former Intercity and long distance regional services this is 9 minutes 59 seconds; in respect of the former Network SouthEast and short distance Regional services this is 4 minutes 59 seconds; and in respect of Scottish sleeper services this is 30 minutes. Certain services may be excluded from the calculations. More details are set out in the notes attached to OPRAF's Performance Bulletins, copies of which are in the Library.