Investigation launched into poor train punctuality across Wales and the West
The Office of Rail and Road will be looking into our region 'continues to deteriorate'
Network Rail admit 'much more' work needs to be done, as an investigation's launched into poor train punctuality across Wales and the West.
The Office of Rail and Road will be looking into why our part of the world 'continues to deteriorate', whilst the rest of the network across Great Britain sees performance stabilising.
They'll then rule whether or not Network Rail could be doing more - and may decide on measures, which could include enforcement action.
The ORR's investigation will focus on Network Rail, but will also convene a round table of those who contribute to delivering train performance across the region
They say that the 'regulator recognises that delivery of reliable, punctual trains requires cross-industry collaboration', and so will be bringing together Network Rail, train operators, freight operators and a number of other bodies to make sure there's a joined-up approach, going forward.
ORR’s investigation will look into whether Network Rail is complying with its licence obligations in the Wales & Western region, and whether it is doing everything reasonably practicable to deliver train service performance.
The things they'll be looking at include the effectiveness of the region’s performance improvement plan, whether assets are being managed appropriately and the impact of changes to the rail network on train performance.
Feras Alshaker, Director, Performance and Planning, said: “While Network Rail has begun making good progress in stabilising performance elsewhere on the network, performance in the Wales & Western region has continued to deteriorate, meaning poor reliability and punctuality for passengers and freight.
“Our investigation will take a detailed look at the root causes of the region’s performance issues and will consider wider contributing factors. As part of our work we will convene a roundtable with key players in the region to support Network Rail in taking pragmatic and effective action to improve performance for all the region’s rail users.”
In a statement, Michelle Handforth, the Wales and Western Managing Director for Network Rail said: "We welcome this cross-industry review which recognises the importance of Network Rail and the train operating companies working effectively together to deliver a reliable railway for the thousands of passengers and freight customers who depend on it every day.
"We know that when we work efficiently and effectively with train and freight operating companies it leads to more reliable services. However, we recognise there is much more work to be done across our region, and our biggest challenge is within the critical Thames Valley, which is one of the busiest railway corridors in the country.
"We will, of course, co-operate fully with the ORR as it undertakes its review and look forward to receiving its recommendations".