Proposal to double the lead time on timetables

Details for major timetable changes should be released up to two years in advance, argues Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines.

Timetables are currently planned by NR’s System Operator function up to 12 months in advance, with the organisation obliged to produce finalised timetables 12 weeks ahead of any changes (known as T-12).

Haines said that doubling the lead time to 24 months would help avoid some of the problems experienced in May 2018, when timetable uplifts on the Northern and Thameslink networks led to widespread disruption.

A subsequent inquiry by the Office of Rail and Road into the causes of the timetable chaos apportioned widespread blame, with NR, the Department for Transport, ORR and train operating companies all found to have made mistakes.

Major recommendations included ensuring greater scrutiny of the interdependencies involving new timetables, infrastructure, rolling stock and franchises, and the introduction of new independent system-wide advice and auditing to identify and address problems before they affect passengers.

In the longer term, the Williams Review will consider what further changes are required.

Haines said: “We have a franchise system which more or less compels train operating companies to say that they can have more trains and better reliability at the same time, and if something sounds too good to be true then it normally is.

“We have to break out of that, and I think the Department for Transport is on top of that now. I don’t think it’s helpful to apply blame. Is it our fault for not shouting loud enough at TOCs [in the run-up to May 2018]? I think we have a collective responsibility and it is a structural problem.

“The system is broken and the idea that NR could have stepped in at the 13th hour is not credible. But why, as a system, are we not challenging proposed changes early enough before a decision is baked in?

“I don’t say that NR has no culpability, but further downstream you can’t deal with this when the timetable lands. We need to develop propositions much earlier so they can be rubbished if needs be.”

Haines said he expects the Williams Review to be published between February and April, after important announcements have been made concerning HS2 and the future of the Northern franchise.

There is also an anticipated cabinet reshuffle to consider, with any change to Grant Shapps’ current role as Secretary of State for Transport potentially adding some delays.