Network Rail announced on February 6 that CEO Mark Carne had informed the board of his intention to retire from the company later this year. The timing would ensure that a new CEO can be established in the role before the start of the next five year regulatory control period in April 2019.
Greater Anglia has announced a £500 000 project to modernise Harwich Town station, including replacing the 'dilapidated' platform canopy with an Accoya wooden shelter, installing LED lighting, and resurfacing the platforms.
As part of the 2018 periodic review, on January 31 ORR published a consultation document setting out its agenda for a substantial change to its approach for assessing Network Rail’s efficiency and financial performance in Control Period 6. Views are invited by March 14.
Network Rail is seeking expressions of interest in a potential collaboration consultancy services framework. The aim would be to support the deployment of collaborative working ‘so as to maximise its benefit to the organisation and its partners.’
Transport for London has awarded Arlington Fleet Services a £640 160 contract to overhaul 52 spoil and ballast wagons used on the London Underground network.
On February 5 c2c launched a Delay Repay 15 scheme, entitling passengers to compensation of 25% of the fare if their train is delayed by 15 min. It is available for all passengers, and is paid automatically to those using the c2c smart card. Until now passengers delayed for 15 min were eligible for compensation at a flat-rate of £0·39 if using the c2c smart card, but no compensation if using paper tickets.
On February 2 Fareham Borough Council said a feasibility study commissioned from Network Rail in November had suggested that a proposed station at Welborne on the Fareham – Eastleigh line would be technically feasible. ‘A railway station at Welborne is part of our vision for a well-connected thriving new community and we recognise the strong employment and social benefits that this would bring’, said Councillor Seán Woodward. ‘As a result it is our aim to work with the appropriate partners to make this happen and, most importantly at this early stage, to ensure that we do not make any planning decisions that could prejudice the future delivery of a railway station at Welborne.’
The Department for Transport and Transport for the North have co-commissioned a study of the feasibility of reopening the 20 km Skipton – Colne route to facilitate new passenger services between Lancashire, Skipton and Leeds. 'I want this study to look clearly at the business case and value that the line could provide', said Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling on February 3.
Transport for Wales is seeking to establish a framework of specialist rail civil contractors to provide engineering design, construction and maintenance services totalling £700m. The scope may include capital works to implement the South Wales metro; design and implementation of enhancements of the rail network; design and development of transport interchanges; ancillary works to stations, car parks, roads and paths; and other general construction work.
