The National Rail Enquiries website has been stalling or slowing down under the weight of thousands of enquiries about train services in the bad weather. The problem is not new, and NRE operator ATOC is coming under fire today for failing to keep up with demand. Consumer watchdog Passenger Focus said it is ‘disappointed’.
Although details of emergency timetables and line closures have been posted on the NRE site, access has been very slow or impossible for some users.
Passenger Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: “We’re disappointed to hear reports that National Rail Enquiries is crashing due to increased traffic to the website. With severe weather already hitting parts of Great Britain and more expected this is an important tool for passengers to find out information about their journey and plan ahead.
“Severe weather, such as snow, causes disruption for all forms of transport, not just the railways. However the industry needs to work hard to make sure that enough is done to keep the trains moving. It is essential that Network Rail and train operators do all they can to minimise disruption for passengers and keep them informed during these instances with accurate and timely information.”
ATOC has yet to comment on the website problems, but did point out that it has set up a dedicated phone hotline to provide passengers with up to date information about disruption caused by snow. The number is 08453 017 641.