Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on July 2001.

The rail industry today launches a major nationwide television advertising campaign to encourage passengers to return to rail as the natural alternative to congested roads and parking problems.

Themed “It’s Time to Return, the campaign is aimed at travellers who have avoided using trains following the widespread network disruption earlier in the year.

Campaign Director, Philip Benham, from the Association of Train Operating Companies, said: “Since the Hatfield accident many thousands of passengers, particularly leisure and business, have abandoned rail. This is hardly surprising considering the disruption they and the industry experienced.

“However, during that eight months, a tremendous amount of work has been done with more than 1,100 speed restrictions removed and 500 miles of new rail laid.

“This work, together with actions by the train operators, has led to substantial improvements in train performance, with four out of five trains now running on time. Many thousands of passengers have already returned to rail and the train operators and their industry partners believe the time is now right to launch this campaign to reach those passengers who are yet to do so.

“We have been delighted with the advertising agency, McCann and Erickson, who have done an excellent job producing an innovative campaign with advertisements which will feature on television, press and posters to the end of July.”

Chris Austin, External Relations Director of the Strategic Rail Authority, said: “With this campaign we are bringing together all 26 train operating companies and Railtrack for the first time on a major marketing initiative for the national rail network.

“It underpins a determination that exists at every level within the industry to win back customers lost during the severe disruption that has occurred since last autumn. I hope it will play a central role in encouraging those people to return in large numbers, reducing pressure on the roads and moving us towards the objective of a 50% increase in passenger use by 2010.”

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 13 July 2001.

For the third year running the number of passengers commuting over the Forth Bridge into Edinburgh during peak hours has increased substantially.

Based on counts taken for the SRA in early 2001, the number of passengers on morning peak services travelling across the Forth Bridge into Edinburgh rose by a quarter compared with the Autumn 1999 survey, to a total of 3,250.

Despite the dramatic growth, the levels of overcrowding increased only slightly because ScotRail has provided additional capacity on the route, and at the start of this Summer’s timetable, introduced another service from Dundee. At 3%, the level of overcrowding in the Spring 2001 count was up 0.2% on its Autumn 1999 level of 2.8%. This represents the maximum level of overcrowding deemed acceptable by the SRA over morning and evening peaks taken together.

SRA Chief Executive Mike Grant said:

“I am pleased to see the continued growth on this increasingly popular commuter line. And I am encouraged by the proactive management approach ScotRail has taken to try to ease overcrowding. Clearly in the future more capacity will be needed and we will be discussing with ScotRail, the Scottish Executive and the Local Authority how this can be provided.”

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 13 July 2001.

Last year the rail industry saw an additional 11,630 people travelling into London in each morning peak, an increase of 2.6% since Autumn 1999, according to figures released by the SRA today. Over five years, the number each weekday has grown by over 20%.

The total now travelling into London each morning is 466,920 – the highest level since the late 1980s. The figure represents an important step towards the Government’s target of 50% growth in passenger kilometres between 2000 and 2010.

The survey confirms that strong growth in passenger numbers continued throughout London and the South East despite the effects of flooding and Emergency Speed Restrictions (ESRs).

Growing demand and timetable disruption following Hatfield resulted in the capacity threshold being breached on five companies – Connex South Central, First Great Eastern, Silverlink, South West Trains and Thameslink – and the SRA has required them to produce action plans to reduce overcrowding, detailed below.

SRA Chief Executive Mike Grant said:

“The figures show the urgent need to increase capacity, which is why priority has been given to three London franchises in the replacement process. We are working with train operators to provide additional capacity on other routes in the short term.

“The figures also demonstrate that predictions of loss of passengers after Hatfield were simply wrong – there is a strong and continuing growth trend. Our concern is to press manufacturers to deliver more trains as soon as possible and get the TOCs and Railtrack to work together to run them reliably.”

The PIXC survey was carried out by train operating companies for the SRA in late 2000 and early 2001 and the results are as follows (Autumn 1999 figures in brackets). The threshold for acceptable crowding is 4.5% on one peak or 3.0% across both peaks.

Train Operating Company	% of passengers in excess of capacity
	AM	PM	Overall
Threshold:	4.5%	4.5%	3%
c2c	1.6% (3.1%)	1.0% (0.1%)	1.3% (1.7%)
Chiltern	2.5% (5.4%)	0.3% (2.0%)	1.6% (4.0%)
Connex South Central	6.2% (5.2%)	2.7% (2.2%)	4.7% (3.9%)
Connex South Eastern	3.7% (3.2%)	1.9% (1.5%)	2.9% (2.4%)
First Great Eastern	6.4% (4.1%)	1.4% (1.2%)	4.1% (2.7%)
Silverlink *	9.8% (3.0%)	3.1% (2.0%)	6.6% (2.5%)
South West Trains	7.9% (4.7%)	1.1% (1.7%)	4.9% (3.9%)
Thames Trains	1.9% (0.8%)	1.9% (2.7%)	1.9% (1.7%)
Thameslink	4.4% (4.0%)	2.7% (2.5%)	3.6% (3.3%)
WAGN	2.8% (2.4%)	1.6% (1.0%)	2.3% (1.8%)
* Figures based on emergency timetable with reduced number of trains.

Improvements by individual train operating companies:

Connex South Central: The operation is shortly being taken over by GOVIA, and the replacement franchise provides for both additional rolling stock and more track capacity. New trains will provide relief and are to be delivered within the next three years.

First Great Eastern: New trains are to be introduced within two years, and short term improvements for next year are being worked out by the company with the SRA. The figures reflect disrupted commuter travel patterns due to Emergency Speed Restrictions imposed after Hatfield. With the lifting of ESRs, these patterns are now returning to normal.

Silverlink: The full timetable has now been restored on County services following post-Hatfield restrictions, with supply better matching demand. Overcrowding remains on the North London Line, and the SRA is currently discussing with the operator plans to lease additional coaches next year to increase capacity.

South West Trains: The replacement franchise will provide for longer trains by 2004, and 785 new coaches have been ordered by Stagecoach to fulfil this commitment, with some of these new units already introduced. Further commitments under the new franchise include increased service frequency at peak times and platform extensions to accommodate longer trains.

Thameslink: The SRA arranged for additional trains to be leased by franchisee GOVIA in 1999 and again in 2000. In the longer term the Thameslink 2000 project will provide huge additional capacity. In the short term, proposals are being developed with the company to see whether more trains can be run reliably on the existing infrastructure.

Other Train Operating Companies: Additional rolling stock has also been leased on Chiltern, and new trains have been introduced on Connex South East and c2c. In all, over 500 new coaches are to be brought into service over the next nine months on London commuter services.

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 7 September 2001.

Passengers using train operators in London & South East are to benefit from absolute reductions in fares in the New Year, thanks to caps announced today by the Strategic Rail Authority.

For services on long distance/regional operators, regulated fare increases will be held to inflation minus 1%, as they have been since January 1999 . Using July’s RPI figure of 1.6%, this will result in a small increase of just 0.6% in regulated fares.

However, for the ten London & South East commuter operators, fares are subject to further capping under the Fares Incentive Adjustment Payment (FIAP) mechanism. Consequently, most commuter fares* in the area will on average fall by 1.4% (RPI – 3) due to poor performance in the year to July 2001.

SRA Chief Executive, Mike Grant said:

“The fare decreases in London and the South East will be welcomed by passengers, providing further compensation for the disruption suffered in the post Hatfield period. Likewise, the minimal increases in regulated fares across the rest of the network will be a welcome accompaniment to the various special promotions run by operators during 2001. The SRA continues to work with the industry to bring about improvements to the network to parallel the continued growth in passenger numbers.”

Today’s figures indicate the maximum average increase (or minimum average decrease) that operators can make to fares, assuming they used the full allowance in 2001. Where operators failed to use their full allowance in 2001, they may be able to increase fares by more (or decrease by less).

In London & South East, the actual fares changes within the FIAP limits will be a matter for individual operators to decide and announce. The caps apply to a fares ‘basket’, or group of fares, and some flexibility is allowed in the price increases on individual fares within a basket. These can be higher than the cap each year, provided there are decreases of equal value on other fares to balance the basket.

Analysis carried out on behalf of the SRA, has shown that, from 1999-2000 to 2000-01, there was an increase of 3.09% in the average standard class fare paid per mile, against a 3% inflation rate. From 1995-6 to 2000-01, the cumulative increase in the average standard class fare paid was 15.34%, slightly more than the 14.2% increase in average inflation. These figures include both regulated and unregulated fares.

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 28 September 2001.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) today published a new report setting out future options for rail services on the Isle of Wight, and initiated a consultation on its findings.

The report, prepared for the SRA by Gibb Transport Consulting, is published in Summary form and outlines the range of choices available for providing rail services on the Island in the decades to come. It sets out in detail the current state of the tracks and trains, and examines the feasibility, costs and benefits of a number of options for maintaining or enhancing services on the Island Line.

The report establishes that, whilst the existing train fleet could continue in service for another decade, repairs could become costly and options should be considered for investing in more modern rolling stock. Acquiring newer trains from London Underground Ltd. (LUL) is established as potentially a suitable and cost-effective solution. The introduction of new light rail vehicles or diesel trains is identified as a higher cost option.

The report recommends that the SRA considers:

• Discussion with LUL on buying newer Underground trains for the Island
• Stepping up renewal of the tracks over the long term
• Ways of progressing potential improvements to service frequencies identified in the study
• A forthcoming study into possible route extensions commissioned by Isle of Wight Council

The SRA has asked the Rail Passenger Committee for Southern England to lead consultation on the report with passengers on the Island and the mainland. It is beginning that process with immediate effect, and has asked for comments by 30 November. The SRA will separately discuss the report with the Isle of Wight Council and with the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR).

Chris Austin, Executive Director of External Relations for the SRA, said:

“The SRA commends this report, which establishes the facts that will inform our decisions on how to develop the Island Line in the years to come. We are required to refranchise the Island Line by September 2003, and we must define in good time what we expect to achieve from the new franchise agreement.

“In reaching this decision we will be discussing today’s report with passenger groups and other stakeholders on the Island and elsewhere. While putting the interests of passengers foremost, we must recognise that our plans must represent value for money, as well as being affordable and achievable.”

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 8 October 2001.

The Strategic Rail Authority today welcomed the Government’s decisive action to establish that Railtrack could not continue to seek substantial additional state funding and to initiate a process of restructuring.

Chairman, Sir Alastair Morton, said:

“The rail industry needs restructuring, including the regulatory regimes. The SRA will evolve into a more appropriate role, and it must have the resources to be effective in that role.”

Mike Grant, Chief Executive, said:

“The SRA’s executive team will work closely with DTLR ministers and officials, the Office of the Rail Regulator, Railtrack’s administrators and the train operators for whom it is responsible. Together, we must take the network and its ability to serve passenger and freight users forward as strongly as possible in these difficult circumstances.”

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 9 October 2001.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) and Transport for London (TfL) have welcomed today’s decision from Secretary of State, Stephen Byers, to grant planning consent under the Transport and Works Act for a Southern extension to the East London Line (ELL).

The powers, granted to London Underground, pave the way for National Rail services to link the North London Line with the South London Line through the Brunel Thames Tunnel, via new and existing East London railway lines. The project forms a key part of the SRA and TfL’s ‘Orbirail’ strategy, which seeks to develop an orbital rail route providing metro-type services around London, incorporating the existing North, South and West London Lines.

Today’s announcement follows a public inquiry which reported to the Government in late 2000, and completes the planning powers necessary for the full East London Line Extension project to commence. Powers for the Northern extension were granted to London Underground in 1997.

The ELL Extension has been developed jointly by the SRA, TfL and London Underground. The SRA is leading the financing vehicle to deliver the extension; TfL has an interest in the development of new transport links in the Capital, and is developing plans for integrated transport interchanges at new stations on the Extension; London Underground holds the formal planning powers for the extension and is undertaking the first phase of construction work.

Mike Grant, Chief Executive of the SRA, said:

“Today marks an important step forward in improving transport links for Londoners. The East London Line Extension will enable fast, frequent and direct rail services around and across the Capital, integrating closely with the Underground and other transport networks. It will also play a significant role in the continuing regeneration of East London. We are looking forward to progressing this major project in partnership with TfL, London Underground and the local authorities.”

Bob Kiley, Commissioner of TfL, said:

“Today’s decision gives us the green light to start on this important project that will radically improve public transport links for many Londoners. The East London line extension is a vital part of TfL’s plans to provide a 21st century Metro service for London. We are taking the integrated approach to this major scheme that Londoners want to see, and I am looking forward to working with our partners to make the East London Line a success.”

Work is planned to take place in four distinct phases – the last of which is due for completion by the end of 2006 – and involves the construction of a brand new railway line along existing but disused railway alignments. The programme will include building or repairing a number of bridges, viaducts and flying junctions, constructing four new stations in Hackney and one in Lewisham, and modifying track and signalling on the present ELL.

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 11 October 2001.

Champions of the integration of bike and rail travel were recognised at a ceremony at Marylebone Station in London today, receiving awards from Transport Minister the Rt. Hon. John Spellar MP.

The award scheme, ‘CycleMark’, is being sponsored in 2001 by the Strategic Rail Authority. It recognises those who have made a special effort to promote the integration of cycling and rail travel, and is administered by the Bikerail consultancy.

Winners were selected by an independent, expert panel, chaired by railways expert and keen cyclist, Christian Wolmar. They were:

• Best Operator – Anglia Railways
• Best Individual – Grace Nichols, SUSTRANS Scotland
• Best Station – March, Cambridgeshire (Central Trains)
• Best Whole Journey Experience – Country Lanes tour operator

A number of other companies and individuals were commended for their efforts.

Presenting the awards, John Spellar said:

“Traditionally, the railways and bicycles have not been good bedfellows. I am pleased to say that this is changing. This is attributable not just to centrally co-ordinated schemes, but equally to the independent initiative of train companies, local authorities, interest groups and, not least, individuals. The Government’s 10 Year Transport Plan lays out a strategy to achieve a major shift from car to public transport. Practical initiatives at railway stations for the use of bicycles are one of the ways in which this multi-modal travel can be achieved.”

Chris Austin, SRA Executive Director for External Relations, said:

“Balancing the needs of a wide variety of user groups requires innovative ideas and determination. Today’s winners have shown particular effort and initiative in meeting the needs of cyclists as passengers, who are increasing in number on the railways for leisure, business and commuting. With initiatives like CycleMark, and teamwork with cycling groups, the SRA is progressively achieving a major advance in provision of facilities for bike users.”

Adrian Shooter – Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, the hosts at Marylebone – said:

“As a previous winner of the CycleMark Award, Chiltern Railways is delighted to host today’s event. On behalf of all train operators, I can confirm that the industry recognises the importance of good facilities for cyclists on our trains and stations. Initiatives by Chiltern Railways include sturdy cycle racks; security patrolled cycle parks and a specially designed area for the secure transportation of cycles on our new Clubman trains.”

CycleMark 2001 Awards

BEST INDIVIDUAL

Winner: Grace Nichol, SUSTRANS Scotland – Based in Edinburgh, Grace has put in a special effort to encourage bike-rail integration across Scotland, in particular focussing on facilities at smaller stations, and encouraging the sensible location of bike racks and improved staff training to assist cyclists.

Commended: Jonathan Denby, Corporate Affairs Director, Anglia Trains – Jonathan has gone beyond the call of duty in facilitating the needs of cyclists on Anglia’s network. Nominated by a representative of the region’s Rail Passenger Committee, he is widely recognised as someone who takes an extremely positive attitude to cyclists, acting as a strong advocate of bike-rail integration.

Commended: Kelsham Hannah, Station Agent, Llandrindod Station – Kelsham is highly knowledgeable on bike-rail arrangements in general, particular with regard to the nearby National Cycle Museum. He is frequently observed providing assistance to passengers with bikes.

BEST OPERATOR

Winner: Anglia Railways – The company has shown continued commitment to cyclists over a number of years. Its record began with modifying trains to carry bikes; offering cheaper bike fares on local lines; and launching the innovative cycle rescue scheme – a form of breakdown assistance for cyclists, free to cycle ticket holders. It has continued the momentum, becoming the first train company to work with the Rail Passengers Council to install cycle parking at all of its stations.

Commended: Cardiff Railways – Staff on Cardiff Railways have been consistently helpful to cyclists. The company has worked with the Brecon Beacons park authorities and other organisations to encourage cycle usage, and permits bikes to be carried on its services outside peak times at no additional charge.

BEST STATION

Winner: March, Cambridgeshire – This is a model station, which works in partnership with Central Trains, Railtrack, Cambridgeshire County Council and SUSTRANS. Well thought-out infrastructure improvements have been implemented, including a new link from the station to national cycle route No. 63 (March to Wisbech) and twenty new cycle stands adjacent to the platform and the station entrance. A new disabled ramp allows passengers to comfortably wheel their bikes into the station.

Commended: Bristol Temple Meads – A new dedicated cycle bridge has been erected at the station, and bike racks have been located conveniently next to the main platform. These measures have significantly enhanced facilities for cyclists.

BEST WHOLE JOURNEY EXPERIENCE

Winner: Country Lanes – This Hampshire-based tour operator has shown great enterprise in promoting cycling holidays in the New Forest, Cotswolds, and Lake District that integrate seamlessly with train services – as well as airlines. The staff have shown great business sense and a successful marketing strategy: an example to others of just what can be achieved in creating environmentally-friendly, profitable businesses.

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 24 October 2001.

Welcoming Richard Bowker’s appointment as the new Chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority,

Sir Alastair Morton said:

“I welcome the news that Richard Bowker is succeeding me as Chairman of the SRA. These are challenging times.”

Mike Grant, the SRA’s Chief Executive said:

“I know Richard well and look forward to working with him on the challenges that lie ahead both for the SRA and the rail industry as a whole. His commercial experience within the industry will be very valuable as the much needed industry restructuring takes shape.

“I would like to thank Sir Alastair Morton, without whose vision and energetic efforts the creation of the SRA earlier this year would not have been possible.

“A great deal has been achieved under his Chairmanship to equip the Authority for the vast range of duties and responsibilities it faces going forward.”