§ 19. Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the trends in train punctuality over the last five years. [63733]
§ Mr. SpellarBetween 1997 and 2000 the rolling annual average Public Performance Measure (PPM). which measures punctuality and reliability, slowly declined from about 90 per cent. to 86 per cent. as the number of train kilometres ran (passengers and freight) increased by some 20 per cent. Punctuality and reliability fell sharply after Hatfield due, in large part, to the temporary speed restrictions imposed to deal with gauge corner cracking and other rail defects. The rolling annual average PPM fell to 75 per cent. though it is now rising. The Strategic Rail Authority is working with the rail industry to achieve substantial, lasting improvements in performance.