Network Rail has created a ‘virtual route’ for freight services - the ninth of the national rail operator’s administration areas and one that could result in major changes to how it operates.
In a statement Network Rail suggested the reform could lead to ‘enhanced governance arrangements’ for CrossCountry and other national operators as well as more ‘third party funding from end-users’ to help realise regional growth plans.
Phil Hufton, managing director, England and Wales, said: ‘Rail freight is absolutely vital to Britain’s economy and the changes we are putting in place will mean we are better able to represent the interests of our freight and national passenger service customers.
‘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.’
The move comes after the recent Shaw report, which called on Network Rail to consider more route-based devolution. Network Rail said the new structure would enable the company to ‘re-allocate focus and resources to deliver improvements in four key areas’:
1. Extending customer representation: The new, nationally focused team will take on responsibility for CrossCountry, which runs services on seven of the current eight routes.
2. Delivery of safe operational performance: Additional resource will seek to improve safety both on- and off-network
3. 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
4. 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
The other routes are geographical administrative areas, including: Anglia, Wales, Scotland, London North Eastern and East Midlands, London North Western, Wessex, South East and Western.
