Merseyrail judged top operator

Feb 1 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

MERSEYRAIL has regained its crown as the country’s number one operator for punctuality and reliability, it was revealed last night.

Last January the operator admitted it had lost its position with a public performance measure of 92.8% in 2006 but vowed to get back the top slot.

Last night officials at the train company said that with an annual rate of 94.3% at December 2007 Merseyrail was back on top, but has to share the accolade with Chiltern Railways, which recorded exactly the same rate.

Measured over the period from April 2007, which is traditionally the starting point for the way the railway industry’s performance is calculated, Merseyrail achieved the highest punctuality and reliability figures in the country at 94.9% over those eight months up to December.

Bart Schmeink, Merseyrail’s managing director said: “I think it is great news that Merseyrail is leading the way in the national train performance league.

“I am proud of my 1,150 Merseyrail colleagues; they have done a great job, it is their achievement.

“Together with Merseytravel and Network Rail, we will continue to improve the network and improve our performance to provide an even better service for local people and visitors alike in Capital of Culture year.”

Cllr Chris Blakeley, Chairman of Merseytravel’s rail services committee, said: “I am very pleased Merseyrail has, once again, proved to be one of the UK’s best performing operators.

“It is important we continue to work together to improve services for the benefit of passengers. We are making great strides and we need to continue to build on our successes.”