Rail Partners response to Network Rail's 5-year delivery plan

Commenting on the start of Network Rail’s 5-year delivery plan, Robert Girgis, Rail Partners’ director of policy said:

‘Network Rail’s plans take place when the railway is facing a series of complex challenges including a delayed reform process.

‘The funding is fair given the wider financial backdrop, but it still represents a real terms reduction at a time when network performance is below what customers expect and the impact of extreme weather on ageing infrastructure is likely to increase into the 2030s.

‘To deliver a better, more reliable railway, it is essential the regulator holds Network Rail to account over the next five years to ensure that it delivers its plans efficiently and whoever wins the next election gets on with rail reform.’

Notes to editors

  • Network Rail's CP7 Delivery Plan for Great Britain is available here.

About Rail Partners

Rail Partners exists to make the railway better by harnessing the expertise and creativity of private sector operators for the benefit of those who use the railway, passengers and freight customers, and those who pay for it, including taxpayers.