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5
October 2007
Dear Colleagues,
Passenger numbers on the railway line to Londonderry have increased by 30%
in the last two years. From October 1st we increased our timetable, adding
two more peak hour services each way between Ballymena and Belfast, making
daily commuting by rail much more attractive for a lot more people. This
should drive passenger numbers up further still which, as I have said before,
is the best case we can make to Government to invest further in public transport.
Of course, having got the passengers on board we need to keep them – punctuality
is all important. Autumn on the railways means leaf fall - if this
is not managed it can cause real delays; leaves on the line cause low adhesion
between wheel and the railhead and have a similar effect to black ice on
the roads. It costs the rail industry in GB £60 million annually
and accounts for 10% of the year’s total delay minutes!
Last year we were successful in improving punctuality by 20% over the same
period in 2005 – through planning, creative thinking and working together
very effectively. This year we are preparing for similar results and giving
our passengers great service.
We are guided by Met Office weather forecasting, our colleagues driving
the trains prepare for low adhesion conditions in our state-of-the-art driving
simulator and we keep passengers informed and fully up to date.
On the ‘hardware’ side, the C3k trains have modern wheel-slip
protection systems, most passenger trains are now fitted with direct sand
applicators that can be deployed at known ‘hotspots’ and we
have specially converted decontamination trains carrying high-pressure water
jets to wash down and remove compressed debris from the railhead. Also,
we have taken a fresh batch of ‘sandite’ rail adhesive gel which
is applied directly onto the railhead as a train passes.
Bus services are also prepared for winter weather conditions and credit
is due to all colleagues such as permanent way, signaling / telecoms and
engineering staff who keep our services running through the harshest weather
and are often unseen by passengers. Their commitment and dedication
in often difficult conditions is very much appreciated.
Philip O'Neill, Acting Chief Executive
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Credit
is due to all colleagues who keep our services running through
the harshest weather
