§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many routes the punctuality of rail services(a) improved and (b) deteriorated in the last period for which records are available. [58672]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe latest figures released by the Franchising Director cover the three rail industry periods from 28 June 1998 to 19 September 1998. Comparing the annual average at the end of the quarter with the average of the beginning of the quarter, 26 route groups have18W shown an improvement, 32 have deteriorated and six remained static. Comparing average punctuality for the year ending September 1998 with that for the previous year, 19 route groups have improved, 42 have declined and three have remained static.