Track and signalling

Network Rail takes on more accountability as devolution journey continues

Network Rail geographic regions, established in June, have taken on accountability for delivering all projects within their borders.

Yesterday (Mon 11) saw the second phase of the company’s passenger focused measures as accountability for all projects, including track and signalling, was assumed.

Andrew Haines, chief executive said:

“Network Rail’s drive to be more customer and passenger focussed continues. Today sees the shifting of more responsibilities and accountabilities to our devolved routes and regions so that they are better able to respond to local needs and demands.”

“We’ve made these changes as a major part of our plan to provide the best possible service for passengers and freight users, to deliver the promises we’ve made for the next five years and to improve the way we work together as an industry.”

The changes mean the appointment of five new delivery directors, who report to the regional managing directors.

These include; Rob Cairns – Eastern, Eoin O’Neill – North West & Central, Kris Kinnear – Scotland, Tim Coucher (interim) – Southern and Stuart Calvert for Wales & Western.

Responsibility for commercial policy, standards and assurance will now be given to Route Services, which manages all supply chain operations, contracts and procurement.

Network Services will also be formed, managing six key areas of the railway including national operations, security, telecoms, freight, national performance and passenger information during disruption.

The five regions, created on June 24 2019, were set up to devolve responsibility away from centralised organisation to a more customer focussed service.

14 routes ‘went live’ in September absorbing the day-to-day accountability for delivering a safe and reliable railway for passengers and freight users.

Phase three is planned for Summer 2020, with more teams set to join the new structure. Putting Passengers First programme changes are expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

Pictured: Kris Kinnear - Scotland