Passengers will welcome more rail services this Christmas

Passengers across Great Britain will breathe a sigh of relief at news today that more trains and fewer rail replacement bus services are running over the Christmas break.

The independent passenger watchdog has welcomed the industry’s commitment to use fewer rail replacement services with Network Rail and train operators signing Passenger Focus’s pledge to keep passengers on trains wherever possible.

Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive, said: “Although investment in the railway is important, it is vital engineering works finish on time and passengers are properly informed so that they can consider their travel arrangements. Where bus replacement services are required they must be made a simple and comfortable to use.  Furthermore, passengers should not have to pay the same price as a rail journey for travelling on a bus.”

The passenger watchdog noted there will be disruption to passengers due to extensive engineering work happening in the South Wales area. 

 “However, passengers planning to travel between South Wales and England over the Christmas break will be shuttled onto a bus replacement service. Regrettably, it appears this work could not be planned to avoid this major disruption.”

Passenger Focus, the independent watchdog, will be watching closely to make certain that disruption to passengers is minimised and passengers have plenty of information and help with their journey planning. The watchdog is also talking with Arriva Train Wales, First Great Western and Network Rail to make sure that communication strategies are in place to alert passengers that the works are happening and provide details of alternative travel arrangements.

Ends

Notes to the Editor
1. Media enquiries regarding this release should be addressed to:
Krista Hamblin
0300 123 0821
krista.hamblin@passengerfocus.org.uk