NEW CONTRACTS ARE ANOTHER STEPPING STONE TO MULTI- MILLION POUND SAVINGS

Tuesday 25 Apr 2006

NEW CONTRACTS ARE ANOTHER STEPPING STONE TO MULTI- MILLION POUND SAVINGS

Region & Route:: National

Major savings will be achieved following the award of contracts for the operation and servicing of Network Rail’s fleet of 18 Stoneblowers across the country. Network Rail today announced the final contract which covers Scotland. The companies have been chosen from a tough and competitive field. Stoneblowers are extremely effective pieces of machinery that maintain the correct alignment of the track. They are an important part of the maintenance regime. They help to deliver a smooth, safe and comfortable journey for passengers. The two-year fixed price contracts will concentrate specialist expertise amongst a smaller number of suppliers and will deliver cost reductions averaging 24%. Richard Fenny, Maintenance Director, said: “The award of these contracts is another step in keeping costs under control and making the most of our assets. Network Rail continues to deliver efficiencies whilst providing a more reliable infrastructure and better train performance.” The annual values of the contracts are as follows: Contractor Territory Number of Stoneblowers Value per annum Amey Western and London North Western 8 machines £2.9m Balfour Beatty South East 5 machines £1.8m Fastline London North Eastern and Scotland 5 machines £2.0m

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