Changes outlined in the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail will make it easier for contractors to deliver projects thanks to clearer planning and better relationships, according to industry experts.
The publication of the new plan, off the back of the long-delayed Williams Rail Review, detailed a new arms-length public body similar to Transport for London, called Great British Railways. The body will oversee both track and services across the network, meaning it will own the infrastructure, collect fare revenue, run and plan the network, and set most fares and timetables.
WSP managing director for transport and infrastructure Charlie Hodgson said the plan “provides the opportunity for a joined-up strategy”, by bringing track and train operations “under a single guiding mind”. He said the change would improve the planning of maintenance and enhancement work on train tracks, and make engineering works simpler to plan. He added that Great British Railways would provide “clear lines of public accountability” to customers and contractors in the industry.