• Recognition for PTE success story on stations

pteg today welcomed the ‘Better Rail Stations’ report’s call for a greater role for PTEs on stations.

Lead Director General for rail issues for pteg, Geoff Inskip, said:

‘Our job is to provide the city regions with high quality, integrated public transport networks which is why we have built some of the best interchanges in the country. Indeed the vast majority of the interchanges are new or comprehensively modernised. We are delighted therefore that this report recognises the successes of PTEs investing in stations and interchanges, and the benefits of our insistence, wherever we can, on high standards for their maintenance and management.'

‘The report rightly finds that many train operators do not spend enough money on passenger facilities at stations – and as a result too many key stations do not come up to passenger expectations. Whilst we do what we can to invest year-in and year-out to fill the gaps to bring stations up to scratch – we believe there is more we can do.’

‘As the report finds, if passengers are to get the consistency and quality of stations they deserve then now is the time to look at extending the role of PTEs on local rail networks and give them responsibility for stations in their area. With its self contained rail network, Merseyrail is the obvious place to start. However as the report recognises there are opportunities elsewhere on all our city rail networks to re-write the rules to allow PTEs to bring passenger facilities on local rail networks up to the high standards that passengers expect.’

ENDS

For more details contact Jonathan Bray on 0113 251 7445 / 0781 804 1485