The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has issued a call to action for Network Rail to work collaboratively with the rail industry to enhance train punctuality and reliability in the Eastern region.
Recent data reveals a significant increase in delays attributable to Network Rail in the region, rising from 2.4 million to 3.3 million minutes per year over the past two years. Consequently, the punctuality and reliability of services have deteriorated, with further decline projected.
While the East Coast Main Line has experienced increased delays due to incidents, the East Midlands route has seen a sharp drop in on-time arrivals. The Anglia route generally performs well, but the London Overground and North London/Mildmay line have witnessed significant performance declines for both passenger and freight services.
While train operators play a crucial role in service improvement, ORR emphasizes the need for Network Rail to prioritise its own contribution to reducing delays.
In response to ORR’s engagement, Network Rail Eastern has committed to developing an improvement plan by December 20, 2024. ORR has recommended that the company review the comprehensive improvement plan implemented by Network Rail Wales & Western following a previous ORR investigation.
ORR stresses the importance of a whole-system approach, urging Network Rail to work closely with train operators and other stakeholders to address performance issues holistically.
Stephanie Tobyn, Director of Strategy, Policy and Reform said: “We have seen a trend of rising delays in parts of the Eastern region in recent months, with passengers and freight users not seeing the punctual and reliable service they should expect from the rail network.
“We recognise the significant ongoing work of Network Rail to address this and the complex challenges they face in parts of the Eastern region, but it is clear that a fresh approach is required to fix the issues. We are pleased that Network Rail has responded positively to our request.
“As with the Wales and Western region, we want to see Network Rail integrate passenger and freight operators into the process to effectively address issues that deliver sustained improvements in punctuality and reliability.”
You can read the letter from the ORR to Network Rail Eastern Region, and Network Rail Eastern Region’s initial response below.
