Ref.: BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wilt ... 429606.stm
-------------------------------
Rail boss apologises for service
The managing director of rail operator First Great Western (FGW) has e-mailed passengers apologising for its recent poor performance.
Alison Forster admits the fleet is partially to blame but said speed limits, leaves on the track and engineering work have also impacted.
FGW said the letter was sent to its mailing list as part of a commitment to "open and honest" communication.
The letter was also due to be given to passengers on Friday evening.
FGW also said it would work with other parties to tackle problems outside its direct control.
The company cites an number of reasons for the fall in service levels recently:
# Its fleet performance
# Leaves on line
# Engineering work
# Infrastructure issues
# Signal failures
# Flooding
# Failure of freight trains
The letter added: "Clearly all of this is unacceptable, and I can understand how frustrated you all are with the service being currently provided.
"I also understand that you do not want to hear our assurances that we are addressing these concerns and only want an improved service, although I nevertheless felt it was important to inform you of the facts surrounding the recent service.
"I appreciate that this is particularly frustrating for regular traveller and season ticket holders, and I would like to thank you for your continuing patience."