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<p>I am chairing a monthly meeting involving Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway
(GTR), Southeastern and Transport Focus to monitor and co-ordinate improvements in
both performance and passenger experience in the South East. This work builds upon
the Joint Improvement Plan that was developed in the Spring. This Group is absolutely
committed to see improvement and, crucially, to make sure that rail customers see
the benefits of these improvements.</p><p>GTR failed to meet their benchmark for cancellations
set out in their Franchise Agreement and in the view of the Secretary of State they
are also likely to exceed their delay minutes benchmark in the near future. In order
to address their poor performance and hold them to account we issued them with a Remedial
Plan Notice that requires them to set out the measures they will take to improve their
performance. GTR have submitted their plan and once the measures are agreed by the
Secretary of State they will become contractually binding through a Remedial Agreement.
Officials regularly monitor GTR’s performance and this will include the delivery of
the measures and performance improvements agreed through the Remedial Plan. Non-compliance
may result in further enforcement action in line with the Franchise Agreement should
the need arise.</p><p>Network Rail’s performance is regulated by the Office of Rail
and Road, who have recently agreed a £4.1m package of improvements to be delivered
by Network Rail on the Southern part of GTR franchise area in order to address performance
issues.</p><br /> <br />
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