Report by Louise Longman
THE ASSOCIATION of Train Operating Companies has postponed
its double commission incentive for rail agents following the train crash near
Selby in North Yorkshire.
The crash, on the East Coast Main Line – which saw a GNER
train derail after hitting a car and colliding with an oncoming freight train
this week, will be a further blow to consumers’ confidence in the beleaguered
network.
ATOC’s incentive, which was due to start on March 5 and run
for four weeks, was designed to encourage the 1,580 rail-appointed agents to
bring passengers back to the network with a leap in commission from 9% to 18%
for all tickets sold (Travel Weekly February 26).
ATOC and the train operating companies will meet on March 13
to “assess the situation”.