Feeling the chill: passengers wait for a train in the big freeze

by Martin Jefferies

Southeastern could be forced to give long-suffering passengers better information - or face fines.

Rail regulators have revealed they will crack down on train operators to avoid a repeat of the disruption that crippled Kent's rail network in the big freeze.

It follows a series of complaints by angry commuters that Southeastern failed to update its timetables with up-to-the-minute information before Christmas.

At the time, Southeastern admitted there were "serious shortcomings" and promised improvements.

Managing director Charles Horton said: "We know there is much more to do to ensure passengers get timely and accurate information at all times."

Now, the Office of Rail Regulation wants to introduce new licence conditions which would require train companies to provide accurate, timely information to passengers.

Its proposals, which have gone out to consultation today, could see companies hit with financial penalties for keeping passengers in the dark.

Anna Walker, chairman of the ORR, said: "Passengers need reliable information to make and plan their journeys and, with the strides made in communication technology in the 21st Century, Britain's rail industry can and must deliver.

"We are all agreed that delivery of accurate and timely passenger information is crucial, particularly during times of disruption, such as were experienced last winter when passengers were let down again."

A spokesman for the Association of Train Operating Companies said: "We recognise the industry needs to get consistently better at providing information to passengers when there is disruption.

"Operators, together with Network Rail, have been and will continue to invest heavily in improving the information provided to customers and are looking closely at how they can deal better with circumstances such as those experienced during the heavy snow in December."