Buses and trains later than ever says report

Results released today show that Ulsterbus, Northern Ireland Railways and Metro have all failed to meet their punctuality targets for autumn 2005.

An independent monitoring reported that while passengers have reported a more pleasant travelling experience, public transport services could not consistently get people from A to B on time.

Eddie Lynch, Head of Consumer Affairs at the Consumer Council, said: “Punctuality is the make or break factor in deciding whether to take public transport or not. Buses and trains should run on time, all the time but the fact is that they are getting later. A late bus or train can make passengers late for work or miss important appointments and vital connections.

“The Consumer Council recognises that more people are using public transport and are reporting positive experiences of the new buses and trains. However, it is of great concern that Translink has failed to meet its agreed minimum punctuality standard for its passengers. In short, buses and trains are arriving later than they were two years ago.”

Mr Lynch noted that Metro had missed its punctuality target by 6% and Ulsterbus by 7% – on a target that already allows buses to be up to seven minutes late.

Trains fared little better with 11% on the Dublin and Londonderry lines arriving more than ten minutes late, while 17% of trains on the rest of the rail network run more than five minutes late.

Eddie Lynch added: “The Consumer Council recognises that more than £250 million has been invested in public transport since 2003 and as a result, more passengers are enjoying new buses and trains, better service at stations and helpful staff. However, this is no substitute for punctuality."

Based on the autumn figures, it is estimated that more than eight million bus and train passenger journeys are late every year.

(SP/GB)