26.05.15
DfT denies reports that it wants to break up Network Rail
The Department for Transport has denied reports that it plans to break up Network Rail, sell off its telecoms and power supply functions and outsource management of its stations.
According to a report in the Independent, which quotes unnamed industry sources, the DfT is looking at forcing Network Rail to sell off telecoms, which provides free wi-fi to passengers and transmits signalling information to drivers, as well as bringing an external company to oversee its power supply.
The report also states the Treasury is especially keen to outsource the management of Network Rail’s 18 stations.
Ministers are said to want Network Rail to be better able to focus on its “core job” of maintaining track.
However, a Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “The government has no plans to break up Network Rail or outsource any of the 18 stations that it currently manages.”
(Picture by: David Dixon)
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