Since the start of the new franchise, the following achievements have been made -
Higher standards for performance with improved punctuality and reliability of services
Since
the start of the franchise, First ScotRail has reduced delays by 20%,
compared to a franchise commitment of 2% per year. First ScotRail are
carrying 7% more customers since the start of the franchise.
Train capacity and comfort has been increased substantially
Twenty-nine
new high quality trains were introduced in 2005 to provide 5,900
additional seats, improving passenger seating capacity by nearly 30% on
the Fife Circle and nearly 40% on the Edinburgh Glasgow line at peak
hours. Platforms have been successfully extended at 26 stations to
accommodate the longer trains
We have rolled out a service quality inspection regime, which now covers the whole network
First ScotRail have responded positively to the service quality incentive regime which focuses on the condition of facilities at stations and on trains, such as:
- Cleanliness
- Security
- Ticketing sales
- Passenger comfort
- Travel information
Secure cycle parking facilities will be installed at every station
There
are currently fitted cycle storage facilities at 223 stations. The
franchise ensures that provision for cyclists on board trains cannot be
reduced from current levels and the Scottish Executive will fund the
fitting of cycle racks on 28 existing express Turbostar units and on
the 22 new Turbostar units at a cost of around £300,000 to increase the
capacity for bicycles onboard.
First ScotRail have
increased sleeper capacity by 50% on the Fort William route at weekends
during the summer by providing a three-car service
In
addition, the franchise has allocated £1 million to invest in the
upgrading of the sleeping car fleet. There has been a 19% reduction in
delays on Sleeper services since First ScotRail took over the franchise
in October 2004.
A significant investment is being made in staff numbers and staff development
Approximately
400 additional members of staff have been employed since the start of
the new franchise, with more planned. First ScotRail are investing at
least £1 million per year in staff training, development and
recruitment of extra drivers.
A new customer contact centre at Fort William opened in October 2005
The
centre operates from 7am to 10pm every day and provides a range of
customer assistance including general travel enquires, ticket sales and
reservation.
Better measures to prevent ticketless travel and travel fraud
Ticket
barriers have been installed at Waverley, Haymarket and Queen Street
station to reduce fare dodging and 28 self service ticket machines have
been installed at 22 stations to allow passengers to purchase tickets
more easily.
A new depot is in operation at Eastfield
This
has made a significant improvement to onboard cleanliness. The £7
million Eastfield Depot now houses trains overnight and can increase
the number of "heavy cleans", midday cleaning and more regular
servicing of toilets.
New stations have been opened at Gartcosh and Kelvindale
Both stations have full wheelchair access and are fitted with modern safety measures including CCTV and help points.
Improved safety and security on trains
Some
250 trains will be equipped with CCTV over the next three years,
providing greater security on the railway. Twenty-one existing trains
on the SPT network will have their interiors refurbished.
