Network Rail faces £2m fine for festive ‘failures’

NUMEROUS timetabling errors in the run up to Christmas last year on the rail network has contributed towards the infrastructure operator facing a possible £2 million fine.

Investigators found “several operational errors” with last December’s ScotRail timetable, with ser vices particularly affected in and around Hyndland Junction, Glasgow, and Rutherglen.

The reliability of the timetable was also reduced by the impact of the introduction of electrified services in the Whifflet area of Lanarkshire.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said in its review that delays associated with timetable planning were nine per cent worse than 2013-14.

Fining it for a breach of its licence, the ORR said the firm’s performance in respect of passenger services on Southern, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Scotland were “below expectations” and missed punctuality targets.

Network Rail has a chance to offer “reparations” to affected passengers instead of paying the financial penalty.

A spokesman for Transport Scotland said: “Last year’s performance levels fell some way below the standards set by the Scottish Government and expected by passengers.

“We note the conclusions of the ORR’s investigation on the reasons behind this and expect all recommendations to be reflected in full within the planning processes established under the new ScotRail Alliance.”

Phil Hufton, managing director, network operations at NR said: “At the start of this year we had a number of problems that caused passengers disruption and frustration and we apologise for this.”