An update on the state of the national rail network
You may remember that some time ago I made a series of posts about the appalling quality of service which is offered by Cross Country trains between Birmingham and Leicester. If you don’t remember, you can read about it here and here. Well, it’s time for a long overdue update…
Following the complaint which I made to Cross Country trains, I have to date had absolutely no response. I had a response from the rail passenger focus group, who told me that they weren’t able to intervene until I myself had received a response from Cross Country but that they would keep my correspondence on line. I also had a reply from Network Rail, who had the following to say…
Thank you for contacting Network Rail.
Train services are managed by the Train Operating Companies which between Birmingham and Leicester is Cross Country (as you have rightly contacted).
Although the Easter engineering works have finished, the railways are constantly maintained throughout the year.
It is in Network Rail’s interest to let the Train Operating Companies keep running their trains as often as possible, as replacement bus services are an inconvenience to travellers and lost revenue to the Train Operators is compensated by Network Rail.
We apologise for the inconvenience. For up to date information on train times and services visit www.nationalrail.co.uk
Right. Well, it’s nice to be acknowledged but I’m unsure how that addresses the issue.
In any case, this is all becoming academic. Trains are running this weekend and next weekend too, and it is sheer bad luck that I can’t actually get to Leicester on either day because my boyfriend and I both have other commitments.
In other news, as of 18th May the ticket pricing structure has been rejigged. The idea is, apparently, that this is a renaming procedure which is going to make all our lives a whole lot easier. If you would like to read more about it and judge for yourself, please go here.
Note in particular this response to the FAQ Will fares increase as a result of these changes?
No, fares will not increase as a result of the new fare names
Okay, so how precisely do Network Rail explain the fact that as of this week, the cost of a return fare from Leicester to Birmingham purchased at half three in the afternoon has increased from £8.50 to over £13.00, an increase of nearly 60%??! As a result of the new naming structure, it appears that half three in the afternoon is now designated as rush hour, and the same extortionate pricing structure applies as before 9am in the morning. You won’t, of course, find this explained on the National Rail website.
I am contemplating whether I have the energy to make another complaint…
Tags: price increases, rail, replacement buses, trains