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New Western Route Supervisory Board will deliver a better railway

Posted: 24 February 2017 | | No comments yet

Network Rail, Great Western Railway (GWR) and Heathrow Express have joined forces to create the Western Route Supervisory Board which aims to improve passenger experience.

Network Rail, Great Western Railway (GWR) and Heathrow Express have joined forces to create the Western Route Supervisory Board which aims to improve passenger experience.

The Western Route Supervisory Board comprises the managing directors of Network Rail Western Route, GWR and Heathrow Express, and Nina Howe from passenger watchdog, Transport Focus. They will be independently chaired by experienced former government rail advisor, Dick Fearn, who will work with the Board to help them further align action plans, improve joint planning and drive targets that are centred on improving passenger experience.

The Board aims to bring ‘track and train’ operations and long-term planning closer together, while minimising unnecessary impacts on rail users.

“This is excellent news,” Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling said. “Our railways are crucial to our economic future. While the solutions may differ in their models for each area, the outcome will be the same – a railway that is predominantly run by an integrated local team of people with a commitment to the smooth operation of their routes.”

The Board’s first meeting will take place in April.