14.01.15
Carne prepares to face tough questions from transport committee
Network Rail’s boss Mark Carne is to appear in front of the Transport Select Committee (TSC) today, where MPs will quiz him on the over-run Christmas engineering works that led to chaos at King’s Cross and Paddington.
Carne will be giving evidence to the TSC alongside Network Rail’s outgoing manager of network operations, Robin Gisby.
The hearing will focus on the causes for the over-running engineering works at King’s Cross and Paddington; the contingency planning for the over-runs, and the use of Finsbury Park station in place of King’s Cross; the level of information and support offered to passengers; and the Office of Rail Regulation’s (ORR’s) review into the over-running engineering works.
Earlier this week, Network Rail published its investigation into the well reported over-runs, which revealed that equipment failures, poor planning and ineffective communication were all contributors to the chaos in the capital.
Another inquiry into the over-runs has been announced. This will be overseen by rail industry body the Rail Delivery Group. Meanwhile, the ORR has already launched its own inquiry.
Following the evidence from Carne and Gisby, Richard Price, chief executive of the ORR and Joanna Whittington, the organisation’s director of railway markets and economics, will appear in front of the Committee.
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