Grayling demands action on timetable planning

Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling has tasked incoming Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines with overhauling the way that timetable planning is done.

In a letter sent to MPs on May 29, Grayling pointed the finger of blame for the recent disruption at NR’s System Operator division, which is responsible for timetabling and de-conflicting any planned changes.

Having slammed NR’s current performance as “simply unacceptable”, Grayling said that the current system “cannot cope with the volume of work that it has to complete”.

He added: “I have asked both the current leadership and incoming Chief Executive to ensure that this issue is addressed as a priority.”

Train operator Govia Thameslink Railway did not escape criticism either, with Grayling indicating that both organisations would be summoned to a briefing meeting for MPs, to explain how train performance is being recovered.

But until wholesale changes can be made by NR, Grayling says that he will insist on a gradual approach to future timetable changes wherever possible, and not the large-scale changes experienced on May 21.

He said: “We were aware that there might be some disruption in the early days of any new timetable change of this size, but the scale of the problem has far outstripped any expectation.

“I have been in regular contact with the leadership of NR and GTR, and [Rail Minister] Jo Johnson and I are continuing to monitor the situation closely. We have insisted that both organisations put whatever resource they need to into resolving the situation, and in making sure that there is proper leadership of the recovery effort.”

Grayling offered a glimmer of hope at the end of his letter, however, by pointing to the new services, new routes and expanded capacity that will eventually be in place.

“Once these problems are resolved, we will have a much better service for passengers. That is small comfort to them when things are not working as they should, but once we are through this difficult period we will have a better railway.”