A new ‘virtual route’ for rail freight and national passenger operators will become Network Rail’s ninth devolved operational route. The change is part of the company’s strategy to become an increasingly customer-focused and route-led business.
The new structure will enable the company to re-allocate focus and resources to deliver improvements in four key areas:
– Extending customer representation: The new, nationally focused team will take on responsibility for CrossCountry, which runs services on seven of the current eight routes, enhancing support for customers who operate nationally
– Delivery of safe operational performance: Additional resource will seek to improve safety both on- and off-network while continuing to out-perform regulatory performance targets
– Business development: Regional business development managers will identify opportunities for growth and secure third party funding from end-users to boost delivery of freight schemes
– Enhanced governance arrangements: Proposals for enhanced governance for CrossCountry and other national operators will be put forward following a review involving train operating companies, the freight sector and industry bodies.
“Freight operators’ satisfaction with the service they receive from Network Rail has improved significantly – but it’s important we continue to challenge ourselves to do more for all our customers, ensuring that their needs are balanced with those of train operating companies who wholly or predominantly operate on a single route,” Phil Hufton, managing director, England & Wales, said.
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