Train operator produces record figures (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Train operator produces record figures

3:51pm Monday 6th July 2009

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Train operator Southern has produced its best ever punctuality figures for a four-week period.

The operator, which is owned by Govia, saw 95.2% of all its trains arrive at their final destinations on time between May 31 and June 27.

The figures were the best recorded for punctuality for a four-week period since the start of Southern's current franchise, which ends in September.

They have also come only days after Southern announced record-breaking figures for a single day's service provision of 97.3%, achieved on June 8.

Southern's managing director Chris Burchell said: “Once again, we have pulled out all the stops to push up performance levels.”

He said: “This record shows that not only can we produce really good days, but we are now doing this on a consistent basis.

“This means that our passengers are getting a service they can rely on which is what they expect and deserve.”

The record results have helped Southern's Moving Annual Average performance figures - a snapshot figure of performance achieved over the last 12 months - reach 90%.

This has been achieved despite a dip in performance at the beginning of the year.

Last month Govia was awarded the South Central rail franchise for another five years.

The new franchise will run until July 25, 2015, with the final year subject to performance and a two-year extension available at the discretion of the Department for Transport.

Govia has said improvements to the service are on the way and it has agreed to provide longer and more frequent trains.

Southern was criticised by commuters after the introduction of a new timetable last December, but Govia's retention of the franchise and its future plans, and especially a focus on Redhill Station which could see an extra platform added, have been greeted with cautious optimism by John Daniels, Reigate, Redhill and District Railusers Association committee member and representative for Redhill Station.

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