TRAIN operators, including those servicing the Warrington area, have been told to provide better timetable information.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has warned them that further action is needed to fulfil their obligations of providing passengers with adequate timetables.
An agreed industry code says timetables should be confirmed 12 weeks in advance of service, allowing passengers to plan ahead and to make informed choices on where and when to travel.
This is also a necessary step for people to buy cheaper advance tickets which are generally only available when timetables are confirmed.
Currently, timetables cannot be confirmed as far ahead as usual, due to the impact of Covid-19, which means that timetables have been changed more often than usual.
Although journey planners continue to show 12 weeks of timetables, not all the times are correct – with some changes only being shown a few weeks in advance.
The rail regulator has discussed with Network Rail its plan to get back on track to finalising timetables 12 weeks in advance and is monitoring progress against this, though recognises that this will take some time.
But in the meantime, train operators and independent rail retailers must do more to make it clear that information provided now may still change before travel. This will help them meet their obligations of providing appropriate, accurate and timely information, as set out in train operators’ licence conditions and by consumer law.
Stephanie Tobyn, deputy director, consumers at ORR said:
“With changes to timetables and travel advice happening more often than usual, the current pandemic has amplified just how vital it is for passengers to have consistent information which helps them plan and make journeys with confidence.
“We know it is a challenging time for train operators but it remains as important as ever that operators are open with passengers about the difficulties faced.
“They need to update journey information frequently across all channels so that there is ‘one version of the truth’, and provide clear information about the availability of advance tickets.”
