Stagecoach signs alliance with Network Rail to improve service
STAGECOACH yesterday announced a tie-up with Network Rail aimed at improving its services into Waterloo.
The alliance will create a single team responsible for track and trains on its Wessex route with the aim of keeping costs down and improving punctuality.
It is the first time that Network Rail – which ordinarily looks after the railway infrastructure – has signed such a deal with a train operator.
Stagecoach South Western Trains (SSWT) runs services from Waterloo through Surrey and on to counties including Devon.
A main advantage of the deal will be that works on the line can be scheduled to cause the minimum inconvenience to passengers, according to the two organisations.
Sir Brian Souter, chief executive of Stagecoach, said: “This new model is a real opportunity to deliver change that will benefit both passengers and taxpayers and support our objective of growing the railway. We can deliver a more customer-focused and more efficient railway for the long-term.”
Employees of the two companies will continue to be contracted to their parent firms.
The managing director of the new operation will be Tim Shoveller, who currently runs SSWT, the UK’s biggest commuter rail franchise.
The alliance has been set up to run until 4 February 2017, the expiry date of the SSWT franchise agreement. Network Rail chief executive David Higgins said: “This marks a new phase in the evolution of Network Rail as we continue to push decision making away from the centre.”
The alliance has been given the green light by the Department for Transport and the Office of Rail Regulation.