The chief executive of Network Rail, Mark Carne, has conceded that some previous franchise deals were unrealistic in their promises as the infrastructure capacity had not been in place to deliver.
He went to reveal to Transport Network that a new ‘approval’ system had been developed by Network Rail and the Department for Transport (DfT) to ensure this did not happen again.
Mr Carne said ‘there have been cases where the franchise was awarded when the capacity was not there’ but would not specify particular contracts.
He added: ‘What we will do is ensure that the franchise specification is consistent with the capacity in the infrastructure. Is there enough power going into the area, is the timetable feasible? These are the sorts of questions we can provide assurance on.
‘We have been talking to the DfT for the last six months. Changes we have created in Network Rail will ensure the franchise and infrastructure align and create a transparent plan for improving railways based on economic principles.'
Mr Carne stressed it was not a power of veto but an ‘approval step’ towards a new franchise.
Speaking as Network Rail gears up for Control Period 6 2019-2024 and the close to £50bn of investment that is set to go with it, Mr Carne stressed that lessons had been learned and improvements made following the difficulties experienced in the current programme.
Mr Carne said: ‘Control Period 5 was an enormous challenge and with the benefit of hindsight it was over ambitious and not very well planned. Network Rail is now a public sector body. That’s changed our funding arrangements. We have made fundamental changes to the way we deliver projects. We now have the best plan that the railways have ever had.’
Mr Carne added that he was ‘sure as hell not going in with a plan that can’t be delivered’ for Control Period 6 and stressed that passengers' top concerns included punctuality and a lack of seats.
‘People plan their lives around rail and I love working in this industry because we can have such a positive effect on people’s lives. Any previous difficulties just refuels my desire to improve the network. I am genuinely excited about what we are doing.’
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
