Transport Focus takes on NR supervisory roles

Transport Focus representatives are now represented on the Supervisory Boards of three Network Rail Routes: Western, London North Eastern and East Midlands, and Wales.

The appointments represent the latest progress in NR’s drive for devolution. By spring 2018 all its nine devolved routes will have an independently chaired Route Supervisory Board, set up to “hold the industry to account… when it doesn’t deliver”. Network Rail has also set up its System Operator division to better plan and operate the railway.

Route performance scorecards have now been introduced, and the next step will be for NR to establish a team to focus on customers in the north of England. This will work with Transport for the North and the Department for Transport to “drive improvements and investment in the region”.

In 2018, NR will act as a holding company of route-based businesses, and its Route Services business will become ‘market competitive’ to face possible competition in 2019 should the devolved routes find more competitive suppliers of materials. Route businesses, meanwhile, will develop their capabilities in project sponsorship, business development and raising new sources of funding.

In Control Period 6 (2019-24), each route will have its own regulatory settlement, income streams, business plans and targets. They will also be free to use other suppliers than the Route Service Directorate. Major projects could also be financed by private sector investment.

At the publication of the latest update on NR’s Transformation Plan, Chief Executive Mark Carne said: “The transformation of Network Rail into a responsive, customer-focused group of companies is gathering pace. Working as one railway, we and the train operators are working ever closer together to deliver real tangible improvements and benefits for passengers across the country. There is still much to do and change to implement, but change is happening and the railway improving as a result.”