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URBAN TRANSIT NEWS

2004

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National Audit Office report: Today the NAO published its report entitled 'Improving public transport in England through light rail' which states that light rail systems have improved the quality and choice of public transport. Despite this the report has engendered headlines in the media such as:

Tram services fail to meet the grade
Tram systems on wrong track says watchdog
Light-rail 'failure to attract public and fit in'
Tram systems 'too costly and underused'
Excess of enthusiasm wastes millions, says watchdog
Under-used tram systems 'costing millions'
Trams - not appealing to passengers

Light rail is too costly and unpopular, say auditors

The report is in fact a constructive document which considers the reasons why light rail in England has not achieved the same level of success as in France and Germany and comes up with a number of recommendations to redress the situation.

What is clear from the report is that the failings are due to the planning and operating framework which trams have to operate within rather than failings of light rail itself. Among the problems noted are:

Planning and approving systems takes too long and is uncertain.
Guidance on business cases has changed frequently.
Cost cutting measures and legislative changes impact on ability to achieve targets.
Cost of moving utilities
Costs inflated by applying heavy rail standards to light rail
Costs inflated due to contractors bearing risks out of their control
Lack of standardisation
Poor integration with other modes both physical and fares structures.

The report also makes a number of recommendations including:

Assess previous schemes to learn lessons
Realise more benefits for passengers by
- Integration with other modes
- Through ticketing and passenger information
- Ensuring light rail has priority over other traffic
Evaluate procurement methods
Ensure greater standardisation
Produce specific light rail safety standards
Investigate changes to the rules and cost of relocation of utilities

The only real failing of this report, at first reading, would be that it makes it rather to easy for headlines as those above to be concocted and for an impression to be given which is at odds with the reality of the report itself. Presenting the report the head of the National Audit Office, Sir John Bourn said "Light rail systems have improved the quality and choice of public transport, by offering fast, reliable and frequent services. Systems need to be better integrated with other modes of transport, however, to attract more passengers and help to reduce urban congestion. And if more systems are to secure private sector investment, construction costs must be brought down and operations placed on a sound financial footing." a comment with which it would be hard to disagree.

The report can be seen and downloaded from the NAO website

23 April 2004

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