Three Welsh stations among the 10 worst-performing in the UK
Three train stations in Wales have been identified among the worst-performing in the United Kingdom, according to data released by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). Birchgrove, Rhiwbina, and Whitchurch, located on the Coryton line between Coryton and Cardiff Central, experienced a cancellation rate of 11.7% at each station respectively.
This data, released for the first time on March 6, will now be published every 28 days to provide passengers with up-to-date information on train performance. The ORR hopes that this increased transparency will help hold train operators accountable for their service delivery. The statistics include the percentage of trains arriving within three minutes of their scheduled time and the percentage of scheduled trains that did not stop at the station.
From January 5 to February 1 of this year, Ince and Elton in Cheshire held the top spot for the highest percentage of cancelled trains, with 22.8% of services affected. Following closely behind were Birchgrove, Rhiwbina, and Whitchurch in Cardiff, each experiencing a cancellation rate of 11.7%. The list of the 10 worst-performing stations also included locations like Gathurst, Earlswood (Surrey), Salfords (Surrey), and others.
While the data sheds light on the performance of train services, operators have highlighted that cancellations are not always within their control. They mentioned that the figures released by the ORR do not account for instances where alternative transportation is provided to cover gaps in services. Additionally, the timing of data publication depends on when information is received and validated, leading to a potential delay of up to 15 working days after the period ends.
The ORR can now release monthly reports on the worst-performing stations in England, Wales, and Scotland, aiming to give passengers insight into the reliability of train services. However, the Department for Transport is responsible for displaying this information only in English stations, with no current plans for the devolved transport departments in Wales and Scotland to do the same.
As passengers and authorities continue to monitor and address issues with train cancellations and delays, the transportation sector will be under increasing scrutiny to improve service quality and reliability. The recent data release signals a step towards a more transparent and accountable railway system for passengers across the UK.
This information serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by rail travelers and the importance of consistent service delivery for commuters and passengers who rely on trains for their daily journeys. While improvements are expected to be made by operators and authorities, passengers are encouraged to stay informed about the performance of train services at their respective stations for a smoother travel experience.