Department of Transport

John Watts welcomes publication of new network quality indicators
_______________________________________________________________

date 23 February 1996
source Department of Transport
type Press release

note 52

John Watts, Minister for Railways and Roads, today welcomed the
announcement that quality indicators showing Railtrack's performance
in maintaining and renewing Britain's rail network are to be
published for the first time.

Mr Watts commented:

"This is an excellent example of how the restructured rail industry
is working together to deliver improved information for all rail
users. Not only will these indicators facilitate regulation of the
railways, but they will also provide another means for the public to
judge the performance of the privatised rail industry for themselves.
This is another step towards a more accountable railway, focused on
the needs of the customer."

The quality indicators will measure Railtrack's performance in
maintaining and renewing the railway infrastructure. They are
designed in particular to assist the Rail Regulator and the Train
Operating Companies in monitoring the standards assumed in setting
track access charges.

Railtrack and the Rail Regulator have worked together to establish
the details of the information to be provided. The areas covered will
include:

the route kilometres available to different types of traffic
the number of stations
the extent of electrification
ride quality
punctuality
the number and causes of incidents.

The indicators are expected to be published by Railtrack at the same
time as the consolidated annual report and accounts, although some
will be made available on a six-monthly basis. The first figures
will be published at the time of the interim results for the six
months ending 30 September 1996.

Public Enquiries: 0171 271 4800

Railhub Archive ::: 1996-02-23 DoT-001