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Monday 24 Jun 2019

Rebuilding trust is the aim of North West and Central region

Region & Route:

North West & Central

Rebuilding the trust of train passengers is the aim of Network Rail’s new North West and Central (NW&C)* region.

Tim Shoveller set out this clear goal as he joined Network Rail as managing director of the NW&C region, which runs from Carlisle to London Euston and Marylebone via Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and the Chilterns.

The purpose of the new region** is to create one customer-focused team that is closer and more responsive to the needs of the passengers, partners and communities Network Rail serves.

“I am determined that the railway should deliver on its promises to train passengers, freight-users and transport partners - something we have not always done in the recent past,” said Tim.

“I want to help rebuild trust by getting the basics right for train passengers: reliable services, clean stations and clear, early information.

“I also want us to behave in an open and proactive way with partner organisations as we work to make the railway bigger and better able to carry more people and goods in future.”

Passenger demand for rail travel is set to increase by 12% in the five years to 2024 on North West and Central. Freight demand for rail is set to increase by 18% over the same period.

Ends

Notes to editors:

*North West and Central Region

The North West and Central Region’s geographical footprint mirrors the former London North Western route.

We are the Backbone of Britain - the economic spine connecting our main cities. We connect workers with jobs, people with loved ones and goods to market.

We run from London Euston and Marylebone in the south through the Chilterns and West Midlands, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, the North West and Cumbria before joining with Scotland at Gretna.

NW&C Region brings together maintenance and operations people with capital delivery colleagues from Network Rail’s Infrastructure Projects, as well as other delivery functions.

The purpose is to create one regional team that is closer and more responsive to the needs of the customers and communities we serve.

**NW&C is one of five new Network Rail regions. Under the five regions there will be 14 routes - an increase from eight previously.

Tim Shoveller background

• MD of Stagecoach Group Rail Division, from February 2016
• Chairman of the Railway Benefit Fund, from January 2015
• MD, South West Trains, from December 2011
• Managing director, East Midlands Trains, November 2007 – November 2011
• Operations director, then business development director, Virgin West Coast, from April 2005
• Operations director, Midland Main Line, from 2003
• Operation director, Wessex Trains from 2000
• Eurostar - production manager, following earlier appointments with the company at Ashford and Waterloo International
• Driver manager, Silverlink
• January 1992 - joined railway as Trainman D Guard
• Attended local schools before studying business and finance at Farnborough Technology College