Rail overhaul should benefit passengers, say Shropshire train users

Transport secretary Chris Grayling wants the publicly-owned Network Rail to share its responsibility for running the tracks with private train operating companies.

However, local passenger groups have questioned whether the policy will also be introduced in Wales – with a number of the region's rail routes crossing the Welsh border.

John Mattocks, chairman of the Shrewsbury to Chester Rail Users Association (SCRUA), said: "The announcement appears to apply to England only and with our line being part of the Wales and Borders Franchise which is due to be re-let in 2018 by Transport for Wales, we await news as to whether a similar policy will be adopted in Wales.

"There has been concern for some time at the spiralling cost of infrastructure projects undertaken by Network Rail including locally the partial line re-doubling between Wrexham and Chester and there have been calls for more vertical integration of train operators with infrastructure.

"While we welcome opportunities to reduce costs in order to deliver infrastructure projects and improvements to the network, any efficiencies gained must not be at the expense of passenger or track worker safety."

Martin Bond, chairman of the Crewe and Shrewsbury Passenger Association (Caspa), said: "Caspa do not have a view on the proposal and would have to see how it works out in practice and whether it did lead to any improvements.

"Personally I would be looking for integrated railways but not under private ownership."

Mr Grayling has said he believes the major policy change will lead to more reliable services and help "transform the passenger experience".

Network Rail said it welcomed the plans as they would strengthen its existing alliances with operators.

In a speech at the Policy Exchange think-tank in London Mr Grayling said the relationship between tracks and trains needs to change because the lack of a coordinated approach can "make things much worse" when disruption occurs.

He said: "In my experience, passengers don't understand the division between the two. They just want someone to be in charge. They want their train to work. I agree with them.

"I intend to start bringing back together the operation of track and train on our railways. I believe it will mean they run better on a day-to-day basis. Our railway is much better-run by one joined-up team of people.

"They don't have to work for the same company. They do have to work in the same team."

New franchises due to be let on the South Eastern and East Midlands routes in 2018 will have integrated operating teams overseeing both train services and infrastructure.

Similar action could be taken for other contract renewals over the coming years.

Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne said: "We strongly welcome these plans to bring more joined-up working within the industry.

"We have already devolved Network Rail into route-based businesses closer to customers, and the proposals announced today will build on the alliances we have created between these route businesses and train-operators."

Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group - representing train operators and Network Rail - said: "Effectively managed teams focused on the same objectives will resolve problems and make progress more quickly.

"We will work with the Government to make sure that we meet customers' needs and expectations, finding new ways of working and new sources of investment."

A new organisation, separate to Network Rail and named East West Rail, will be created to secure private sector investment to design, build and operate the route between Oxford and Cambridge.

The western section of the line could be opened by 2024 and would cut journey times between Oxford and Bedford from two hours 20 minutes to just one hour one minute.

Mr Grayling said the closure of the rail link between Oxford and Cambridge in 1967 was "a decision we have lived to regret" as it is "one of our most important corridors".

He added that East West Rail will work "hand-in-glove" with the National Infrastructure Commission as it plans the development of the transport network in the area.

Network Rail took over responsibility for infrastructure from Railtrack in 2002 after a series of fatal accidents, such as at Hatfield and Potters Bar.