11.09.17
Network Rail appoints chair for new Wales route board
Network Rail, Arriva Trains Wales and the Welsh Government have joined forces to create a new board that builds on the industry’s ambition to bring track and train closer together – especially as the new Wales and Borders franchise edges ever closer.
The Wales Route Supervisory Board is yet another result of Network Rail’s determination to align itself more closely with the operators and stakeholders that run franchises, especially as part of its shift towards route devolution.
It will add to the work that already takes place between the infrastructure owner and Arriva Trains Wales in order to improve services for Welsh passengers, similarly to what was done with the Western Route Supervisory Board earlier this year.
Andy Thomas, route managing director for Network Rail in Wales, who recently spoke to RTM about the upcoming Wales and Borders franchise refresh, explained that the board will work “with one voice” to represent customers in the region and hold the industry to account.
“This new supervisory board is the next step in our journey to bring track and train closer together,” he added.
The new board will be independently chaired by Margaret Llewellyn OBE, who is a non-executive director at Cardiff Airport and brings a wealth of experience in tourism and the rail industry.
“This new board, building on a strong foundation of industry leading right time performance, presents a real opportunity to continue to develop the network for our rail customers and the wider Welsh economy,” she said. “The board will lead and support important preparation work for the exciting developments and investments to come in 2018 and beyond.”
Ken Skates, the economy and infrastructure secretary in Wales, emphasised that closer working between key transport partners and ensuring passengers sit at the heart of the next franchise – the Welsh Government’s first – is of “paramount importance to us”.
The first board meeting will take place in September.