NETWORK RAIL APPOINT HIGH PROFILE ADVISOR

Wednesday 5 Nov 2003

NETWORK RAIL APPOINT HIGH PROFILE ADVISOR

Region & Route:: National

Network Rail today announced that following discussion with the Association of Train Operating Companies, Graham Eccles, an executive director of the Stagecoach Group and Chairman of South West Trains and the Virgin Rail Group, has been appointed as an advisor to Network Rail. The new four-day-a-month advisory role will help Network Rail as it develops its train operations structure and procedures within the new organisation that is being put in place as a result of the decision to take all maintenance in-house. Graham will act as advisor while continuing with all his other Stagecoach duties. John Armitt, Chief Executive, said: “Network Rail is determined to improve train performance and we are delighted to be able to draw on Graham’s experience in order to ensure the closest possible working between Network Rail and the train operators, which is vital to deliver improved punctuality. Graham Eccles said: “I am delighted to be able to represent the train operators in helping Network Rail get to grips with improving train service delivery.”

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We own, operate and develop Britain's railway infrastructure; that's 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We run 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are run by the country's train operating companies.

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