In a move aimed at bolstering collaboration and improving service delivery for passengers, Network Rail and Great Western Railway (GWR) have announced the integration of their control functions under a single, joint leadership team.
The decision to bring track and train management closer together builds upon the existing collaborative relationship and formal alliance agreement established between the two organisations in 2016. The primary objective is to enhance operational performance by streamlining decision-making and fostering closer teamwork within a unified control structure.
Currently, the respective GWR and Network Rail control teams operate from Western House in Swindon, working in close proximity to manage the day-to-day safe operation of train services across the GWR network. This integration formalises and strengthens this existing co-location and working relationship.
Leading this newly unified control function will be Daryn McCombe, GWR’s current Train Service Delivery and Performance Director. Mr McCombe will now also assume the role of Network Operations Director, bridging the gap between the two organisations at a senior operational level.
Daryn said: “By working together more closely as one team we will be in a stronger position to manage our performance; tackle disruption; make swift decisions and ensure we stay focused on our shared objective – to bring a safe, reliable and seamless railway experience to our passengers and customers.”
“Put simply, our organisations and our customers are always better off when we combine our efforts. This change brings our working relationship even closer and aims to enhance our operational performance by fostering collaboration, streamlining our processes, and ultimately improving the service we deliver to all passengers.
Mr McCombe brings a wealth of experience to the joint role, having started his railway career in 2008 on London Underground’s Operation Graduate Management Programme before joining GWR in 2015. His previous roles within GWR have included positions in station management, driver management, and latterly within the control and performance teams.
This closer alignment of control operations is anticipated to lead to more efficient management of the railway, particularly during periods of disruption. By having a single leadership team overseeing both infrastructure and train operations, it is expected that decision-making will be faster and more coordinated, ultimately leading to a more reliable and seamless experience for passengers across the Great Western network. The move signals a further deepening of the partnership between Network Rail and GWR, with a clear focus on putting passengers first through enhanced operational efficiency.
