In a stark warning to train operators across the country, West
Midlands Trains (WMT) will be required to spend an extra £20m
on improving services for passengers after badly breaching its
performance targets, the Transport Secretary set out today (9 February).
Passengers across the West Midlands, who use West Midlands
Railway and London Northwestern services, will benefit from the
additional funding, which will be invested in delivering
timetable improvements and recruiting new train drivers to
tackle staff shortages. They will also continue to be offered
compensation for poor service with discounts on season tickets
and off-peak fares.
The Department for Transport has made clear that operators
should consider this step a warning that poor performance
impacting on passengers and the failure to meet contractual
obligations will be met with a firm response.
Transport Secretary said:
“One of my priorities is getting the trains to run on time, and
as a commuter myself I understand all too well the frustration
caused by endless delays and cancellations.
“West Midlands Trains have failed to fulfil their obligations –
to their franchise agreement and, most importantly, to their
passengers.
“The action we’re taking means they must invest in rapidly
improving services, so that passengers have reliable, punctual
trains they can rely on.”
Rail Minister said:
“Having monitored the poor performance of West Midlands Trains
with great concern, we’re taking action to ensure they fulfil
their contractual commitments and deliver the service
passengers deserve.
“Every minute of delay adds up, and for far too long passengers
have been left stuck on train platforms at the mercy of a
fickle live departure board.
“Having our country’s trains run on time must be the rule, not
the exception. This is a warning that operators simply must do
better for their passengers.”
, the Mayor of the West
Midlands, said:
"West Midlands Trains' performance at the back end of last year
was absolutely woeful and it is only right - as I requested -
that the firm must pay the price financially. I am also pleased
to see this money will be re-invested locally to help restore
the reliable service that passengers want and deserve.
"Since I issued my ultimatum in December of improve or lose the
franchise, WMT has got better and performance is statistically
on the up. But I still have very serious concerns and,
alongside the DfT, will be keeping the firm under strict
review. I will not hesitate to ask for the franchise to be
stripped if performance slips again."
The additional £20m funding will be used for a variety of
measures including:
- Compensating passengers for the poor service by offering a
3% discount on season ticket renewals and offering a 10%
reduction in off peak fares during July and August 2020
- A series of timetable improvements, with wide-ranging
changes planned for May 2020 and December 2020
- Recruitment of additional drivers and senior
conductors to combat staffing shortages
- Investment in day to day operations, to make services more
reliable
Since their May 2019 timetable change WMT’s performance has
deteriorated to such an extent that they have exceeded breach
level on delay minutes and cancellations franchise agreement
targets. Under the terms of their contract, WMT are
required to agree a ‘Remedial Plan’ to ensure that performance
recovers.
The Department will continue to closely monitor the performance
of the operator and ensure they meet their contractual
obligations.
