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Network Rail, Go-via Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Northern today apologised to all passengers affected by recent disruption, and set out how the organisations are going to improve the service for customers as quickly as possible.

Network Rail has today announced that Andrew Haines OBE has been appointed as its new chief executive. Andrew, who has had a wide ranging career in the rail industry and transport sector, joins following completion of his current role as chief executive of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). 

• 20 May sees new national timetable introduced with thousands of new services and new timetables and schedules 
• 26 – 28 May (bank holiday ) sees £78m of investment projects being delivered around the country to improve services 
• Vast majority (95%+)of the network is unaffected by engineering work but passengers are advised to check before they travel 

• Bob’s Lobster and Comptoir Libanais improve choice of station dining
• The Book Shop, Urban Express and Greggs expand on-the-go offer
• Openings form part of £1bn redevelopment of London Bridge station
• Retail offer establishing the station as a destination in its own right

New research from Network Rail reveals only a third (36 per cent) of 18 – 24 year olds believe going on the railway track is extremely dangerous¹, resulting in young adults risking their lives when crossing the railway. Almost a quarter (22 per cent) of 18 – 24 year olds admit that if they were in a rush, they would ignore warning lights and try to cross the railway at a level crossing. 

By the time HS2 arrives in Manchester, the majority of the UK network – covering some 70% of journeys – will have undergone a technological transformation delivering faster, more frequent safer services to millions of passengers across the country.

• Railway open for ‘business as usual’ as majority of the network is unaffected by upgrade work
• This work will provide faster and more frequent services to help relieve over-crowding on Britain's railways

Network Rail has today announced it is encouraging contractors, suppliers and stakeholders to propose changes to its ‘standards’ – the detailed requirements that underpin how the railway and the delivery of improvement projects are run. The changes are to encourage greater innovation, cost efficiency and third party funding into the rail network, whilst maintaining safety.