ATOC says ORR decision on Network Rail fine is "Disappointing" and "A missed opportunity"
9th May 2008
ATOC
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has today announced that it is confirming the fine of £14 million will be imposed on Network Rail following the serious engineering works overruns in January.
Michael Roberts, ATOC Chief Executive, said: “While the ORR has clearly considered this matter seriously, train operators and passengers will find their decision disappointing.
“It represents a missed opportunity to use the money to deliver some real additional improvements to passengers. Instead, we are left with a ‘money go round’ where money raised from the taxpayer to fund Network Rail is just being ploughed straight back to the Treasury.”
Network Rail had consulted widely with the rail industry to propose a series of sensible improvements for passengers worth £14 million in place of a straight fine.
Train operators and passenger groups put forward a programme of proposed improvements for new and better passenger information systems, especially in times of disruption and also improved customer information screens on parts of the West Coast Main Line, the East Anglian Main Line and in Scotland. Some improvements to upgrade station facilities were also proposed.
For further information, please contact the ATOC Press Office on 020 7841 8020
Notes to Editors:
About ATOC
The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) is the official voice for the passenger rail industry - representing train companies to the government and other opinion formers on transport policy issues. Britain's train operators are working together to change rail travel for the better.
ATOC manages many joint activities for train operators including revenue allocation and settlement, impartial retailing, National Rail Enquiries, Railcard marketing, staff travel arrangements, international products and travel agent licensing.
Michael Roberts, ATOC Chief Executive, said: “While the ORR has clearly considered this matter seriously, train operators and passengers will find their decision disappointing.
“It represents a missed opportunity to use the money to deliver some real additional improvements to passengers. Instead, we are left with a ‘money go round’ where money raised from the taxpayer to fund Network Rail is just being ploughed straight back to the Treasury.”
Network Rail had consulted widely with the rail industry to propose a series of sensible improvements for passengers worth £14 million in place of a straight fine.
Train operators and passenger groups put forward a programme of proposed improvements for new and better passenger information systems, especially in times of disruption and also improved customer information screens on parts of the West Coast Main Line, the East Anglian Main Line and in Scotland. Some improvements to upgrade station facilities were also proposed.
For further information, please contact the ATOC Press Office on 020 7841 8020
Notes to Editors:
About ATOC
The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) is the official voice for the passenger rail industry - representing train companies to the government and other opinion formers on transport policy issues. Britain's train operators are working together to change rail travel for the better.
ATOC manages many joint activities for train operators including revenue allocation and settlement, impartial retailing, National Rail Enquiries, Railcard marketing, staff travel arrangements, international products and travel agent licensing.
