Transport Focus has published passenger research they\ncommissioned into the trade-off between disruption during the construction\nphase and the benefits delivered at the end of it. SMART did get to see and\ndiscuss with Transport Focus the research shortly before it was published. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whilst it is valuable as far as it goes in identifying passengers priorities during disruption, we made the point that it is predicated on there being a quid pro quo between disruption and improvements. In many locations there are clear passenger benefits at the end, but here in Slaithwaite and Marsden there will be all the disruption but none of the passenger benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
[press release from Transport Focus, dated 23rd July 2020, follows]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKeep things simple, look after your regular customers and please communicate as much as you possibly can.\u201d
<\/em>
\u2013 Leeds passenger <\/p>
<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nPassengers want assurances that the\nTranspennine Route Upgrade work announced today will be planned and delivered\nto minimise disruption to their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Independent watchdog Transport Focus\nwelcomed the announcement of \u00a3600 million of rail improvements as part of the\nTranspennine Route Upgrade between Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The watchdog has published new passenger research<\/a> and recommended a\nfive-point plan for how the railway can build passengers\u2019 trust during the upgrade.\nCommissioned by Network Rail, the research looks into passengers\u2019 views on the\nproject, including the impact of disruption, communication needs and\ncompensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Passengers using the route told\nTransport Focus that they see the upgrade as essential to deliver improvements\nto punctuality, reliability, and capacity for the railway in the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
David Sidebottom, director at the\nindependent watchdog Transport Focus, said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe promised investment in the Transpennine rail route is an essential part of the jigsaw if passengers travelling across the north are to see more punctual and reliable trains in future.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow this work is managed over the coming years will be key to passengers\u2019 trust in the rail industry. Passengers will need to be told what it means for them and their journey, be kept informed about the work and once work starts they should be kept on trains rather than rail replacement buses wherever possible.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Transport Focus\u2019s five-point plan for\nhow the railway can build passengers\u2019 trust during the upgrade recommends:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- the railway must deliver on its promises and ensure passengers see improvements to capacity and reliability<\/li>
- demonstrate to passengers that the railway is planning and delivering the work to minimise the impact on passengers<\/li>
- keep passengers on trains \u2013 this is what they are paying for. Where this is not possible, provide high quality rail replacement services and communicate this to give passengers confidence<\/li>
- prioritise accurate and timely information about the specific impact of the works on passengers\u2019 journeys, and their options, so they can plan their lives<\/li>
- publicise compensation for commuters up front to recognise the disruption and ensure passengers can receive regular, open and honest reports on the upgrade progress.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Transport Focus will continue to use\nthe research in its work with Network Rail and train companies to ensure\npassengers\u2019 views are heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What passengers say about the\nTranspennine Route Upgrade<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe changes will need to be done and\nit will make a big difference but be realistic with the timeframe and how it\nwill disrupt passengers.\u201d<\/em> Huddersfield\npassenger<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want to believe it can happen. How\nwill you and your company convince me? What is your communication plan? How\nwill you build trust?\u201d <\/em>Leeds\npassenger<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019d need about six months\u2019 notice of\nany alternatives just to plan things and get things in order.\u201d<\/em> Vulnerable passenger<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a good long-term plan but short\nterm and during [the work] I think you should discount passenger fares.\u201d<\/em> Huddersfield passenger<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.transportfocus.org.uk\/news-events-media\/news\/transpennine-route-investment\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Transport Focus has published passenger research they commissioned into the trade-off between disruption during the construction phase and the benefits delivered at the end of it. SMART did get to see and discuss with Transport Focus the research shortly before … Continue reading