ORR praises Network Rail’s response to pandemic

The Office of Rail and Road says Network Rail has responded well to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that there are risks to future delivery and that it will be closely monitoring some issues such as efficiency in Scotland.

Its findings are contained in its mid-year report on Network Rail, published in early December.

ORR found that NR and the rail industry delivered high levels of train performance in the first half of 2020-21, with 75% of trains arriving on-time at stations in November 20 (ten percentage points up on pre-pandemic levels).

The regulator noted that reduced service levels and passenger numbers helped deliver strong performance, with fewer reactionary delays.

It also found that progress in improving performance in the North West & Central Region has been “reasonable”, and that it has delivered well on its recommendations relating to Project Alpha, Putting Passengers First and industry engagement.

NR has largely delivered its planned renewals for most asset types, but there are instances of lower delivery such as overhead lines on the Eastern Region, switches and crossings in Scotland, earthworks in Southern, and structures in Wales &

Western. Mitigating actions taken during the pandemic are noted.

Financial performance has been £40 million worse than planned. ORR says this is mostly due to reduced property income and higher than expected maintenance and renewals costs – in part due to changes in working practices to maintain social distancing.

It concluded: “Network Rail has played a significant role in the national response to the pandemic, ensuring the railway has been kept open to those who need to travel and to keep freight flowing.”