26.04.13
Franchise Advisory Panel members unveiled
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has named the remaining members of the Franchise Advisory Panel.
Richard Brown, chairman of Eurostar and author of an in-depth report into franchising for the DfT, was appointed chair of the panel last month.
The other four members are: Nicola Shaw, CEO of High Speed 1 Limited; Stephen Paine, managing director, global head of infrastructure and co-head of UK Investment Banking at UBS Investment bank; Martin Buck, commercial director at Crossrail Limited; and Michael Holden, CEO of Directly Operated Railways and chairman of East Coast.
The panel will meet on a monthly basis to advise, support and inform the DfT on the new franchising programme. They will provide challenge and assurance to the Franchising Director and team, and offer a commercial perspective on the programme.
McLoughlin said: “We have already laid the foundations for a successful rail franchising system with our comprehensive new schedule but it is also vital we take advantage of industry know-how.
“The talent and expertise of the Franchise Advisory Panel will complement the skills and knowledge already available in the department and ultimately help deliver franchises which will provide real benefits to both passengers and taxpayers.”
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Image c. Philip Toscano/PA Wire