Go-Ahead ‘sorry’ for trains chaos as it records higher profits

Go-Ahead’s bosses have apologised to thousands of rail commuters whose trains were cancelled this week and insisted that it would get on top of what it called “teething problems” in bringing in the biggest timetable change since the 1970s.

However the UK’s biggest rail operator, bidding to run a new model Southeastern franchise, insisted the blame for the rail chaos should be shared between operators and Network Rail.

Patrick Butcher, chief financial officer at Go-Ahead, which operates the GTR and Southeastern franchises, said: “This has been a hugely complex operation involving changes for signallers and controllers from Network Rail, drivers and 3,500 trains having their timings changed. We are simply the front face of it.”

Butcher said performance was improving and more trains would run on the new timetable over the coming weeks. “We are apologetic to people who after the biggest consultation on timetable change have seen their service not improve. We have a tough job to balance everyone’s needs,” he said.

He added: “Overall this is a huge step-change and on balance more people will see an improvement in their service. It was always going to be a phased introduction.”

Go Ahead said it expected slightly higher annual profits, helped by new efficiencies in running its Southeastern franchise and the resumption of its services through London Bridge station.

Revenues in its rail division have grown by 3.5% from the start of the year to May 23. Bus revenues were flat as bad weather disrupted services in the North East of England, but less congestion in the capital helped London revenues.