Merseyrail has been named as the most punctual rail
operator in the country for the second year running – with 96.36% of its trains
running on time.
It also achieved its best performing year ever in
2019 – with the oldest passenger fleet in the UK.
Speaking about the results, Zoe Hands, Operations
Director at Merseyrail, said: “Delivering a world class railway for the
Liverpool City Region is our main goal at Merseyrail, and we are thrilled to
have achieved this in 2019.
“These punctuality results cement the fact that
Merseyrail is consistently one of the best performing rail operators in the
country and I’m so glad we can put our region on the map when it comes to the
best train services in Britain.
“Our passengers are at the heart of everything we
do, and this is reflected in the results that we have gained despite some
challenging conditions over the last twelve months.
“We would like to show our gratitude to Merseytravel
and our service partners the British Transport Police, Stadler, Stadium and
Carlisle who have worked with us to achieve this record breaking result.
“However, our special thanks has to go to Network
Rail who have been the bedrock of our performance owing to their tireless
efforts and success in improving infrastructure reliability this past year.”
“We also have our new fleet of trains to look
forward to, which I’m sure, in time, will take us to the next level of
passenger experience.”
Cllr Liam Robinson, Liverpool City Region Combined
Authority Transport Portfolio Holder, said: “At a time when some rail services
in other areas of the country and region are so poor, it’s great to see that
the Merseyrail network is performing well, reinforcing the level of service
that we work hard to achieve.
“It’s an exciting time for us, with the new fleet
due to start arriving on our network later this year, further strengthening our
commitment to provide a reliable service for Merseyrail passengers.”
Phil James, Regional Director for Network Rail’s
North West route, said: “There is a lot of hard work taking place across the
North West, with our train and freight operating partners, to identify areas of
improvement that can make a big difference to the reliability and resilience of
the rail network. We’re trying to do more to give passengers the better service
they deserve.
“I’m happy to see this hard work pay off in the Liverpool City Region, for Merseyrail passengers. I’m also very proud of our continued work with Merseytravel and Merseyrail on an extensive programme of work to bring new trains onto the network.”
The past year has seen Merseyrail scoop coveted
awards across the industry, including being named Greatest Place to Work at the
National Rail Awards and winning the Excellence in Sustainability and Society
Award at the British Quality Foundation Awards in May.
