Investigation launched into ‘reliability’ of Network Rail’s Wales and …
An investigation has been launched into the ‘poor punctuality and reliability’ of Network Rail’s service in the Wales & Western region.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) announced this week it is carrying out a review to find out if Network Rail could be doing more to improve rail services.
The reliability of the Great Western railway line has come under the spotlight in recent weeks with damaged tracks in Iver, Slough, and Hayes and Harlington, leading to cancellations, delays and slower trains for commuters heading into and out of the capital.
Feras Alshaker, the ORR’s director of planning and performance, said: “While Network Rail has begun making good progress in stabilising performance elsewhere on the network, performance in the Wales & Western region has continued to deteriorate, meaning poor reliability and punctuality for passengers and freight.
“Our investigation will take a detailed look at the root causes of the region’s performance issues and will consider wider contributing factors.”
The investigation by the Office of Rail and Road will look at issues including whether Network Rail has systematically reviewed the key factors behind poor train service performance in the region.
The ORR will also consider whether Network Rail has developed a suitable improvement plan for its railways.
The investigation aims to gather the views of Network Rail, train operating companies and freight operators.
Michelle Handforth, managing director, Wales & Western, Network Rail, said: “We know that when we work efficiently and effectively with train and freight operating companies it leads to more reliable services.”
She added: “However, we recognise there is much more work to be done across our region, and our biggest challenge is within the critical Thames Valley, which is one of the busiest railway corridors in the country.
“We will, of course, co-operate fully with the ORR as it undertakes its review and look forward to receiving its recommendations.”
Broken rails have been at the centre of a number of problems on the line this week, with the latest problem near Hayes and Harlington causing disruption on Wednesday and Thursday.
A broken rail crossing is due to be repaired overnight tonight (Thursday).
Network Rail said the 200 miles of track it oversees from London Paddington to Didcot Parkway is one of the busiest routes in the country with more trains running than ever before following the full opening of the Elizabeth line.
A spokesperson said: “Monitoring and maintaining this busy railway is a huge undertaking and safety is always our highest priority.
“We proactively inspect all our track assets - with our measuring train scanning the track every month and teams going out to all key assets to inspect at least every 14 days.
“When inspections identify that assets need to be repaired or replaced we work quickly to do so whilst continuing to run a safe railway for customers.”
Great Western Railway has seen its services between Reading and London Paddington impacted over recent weeks due to defects being identified on the tracks.
A spokesperson for Great Western Railway said: "We’re sorry that customers have been affected by these issues over the past few days.
“Network Rail teams are working hard to fix faults as they arise, but this means we are not able to run as many trains as planned. This may also lead to knock on delays and cancellations to other services in the area.
"We continue to work with Network Rail as they seek to provide the consistent and reliable infrastructure our trains depend on.”