30.06.16
Prof Stephen Glaister to serve another year as ORR chair
The interim chair of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has been reappointed to serve for a second year.
Professor Stephen Glaister CBE, a non-executive director of the ORR, was initially appointed as interim chair at the end of last year, replacing previous chair Anna Walker.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced today that Glaister has been re-appointed in the post until December 2017.
Glaister, the emeritus professor of transport and infrastructure at Imperial College London, said: “ORR has made great strides this year in progressing the safety, value and performance of railways and roads, for today and for the future.
“In my first six months I have also been hugely impressed by the calibre and commitment of the ORR’s staff. I am very pleased to be asked to extend my term for a further year which I feel is an acknowledgement of the progress we are making.”
The ORR published its business plan for 2016-17 in April, in which it said that it would explore greater options for route-based regulation.
It is also conducting a consultation on ways to improve Network Rail’s management of system operation to reduce performance and punctuality problems and accommodate digital railway.
McLoughlin said: “A strong, independent regulator is essential in maintaining the safe and smooth running of the UK’s transport network.
“I am confident that Professor Glaister will continue to bring leadership to the ORR as we consider the broader shape and structure of the rail industry and ensure Highways England delivers efficiently on its roads programme.”
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