NETWORK Rail has been rapped for "systematic failings" which led to major disruption for passengers earlier this year.
An investigation found it is failing to finalise timetables 12 weeks in advance, when tickets go on sale, which results passengers buying tickets for trains that are not running.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said Network Rail had re-write the May 2018 timetable seven weeks after it sent the draft to industry in November 2017, which resulted in serious disruption for passengers.
It has been ordered to take four immediate actions to improve services for passengers.
John Larkinson, ORR’s Director, Railway Markets and Economics, said: “Network Rail’s failings in the run up to the May timetable led to massive disruption, uncertainty and inconvenience to passengers.
“Network Rail has acted to bring the industry together to address timetabling issues but more and faster change is needed to provide assurance to passengers. That is why we have set out these actions designed to improve capability within Network Rail.
“Our ongoing broader Inquiry is looking at the role of the whole industry in the May timetabling problems and this may lead to further recommendations.
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