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Monday 6 Jul 2026

Working together to deliver faster, more reliable rail journeys

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

Passengers are expected to benefit from improved punctuality and even more reliable journeys – with new platforms, enhanced signalling, and technology designed to spot potential overhead line issues among more than 60 initiatives set out in a joint plan to boost performance.

Through the East Coast Partnership work, Network Rail and LNER (London North Eastern Railway) have outlined their key objectives for the next year when it comes to improving reliability and reducing delays on the East Coast Main Line.

The ‘whole system’ approach brings together infrastructure, operations and train performance into one co-ordinated plan, reflecting closer alignment between track and train as the industry moves towards Great British Railways and greater integration. The approach aims to improve decision-making, enable a quicker response and minimise disruption for passengers.

Benefits are already being seen from the East Coast Partnership initiatives, including:  

• Darlington station upgrades, including two new platforms and improved signalling to support smoother operations
• A refined timetable introduced in December 2025, delivering a 20 per cent increase in LNER services
• Improvements at locations including Durham Viaduct, funded through a joint performance fund to reduce disruption from trespass
• Flood monitoring systems using CCTV at vulnerable locations, contributing to no major flood-related disruption on the East Coast route in the past 18 months
• Installation of further deer fencing and continued development of deterrents and other measures to reduce delays linked to animal strikes
• Use of smart technology combining train and infrastructure data to find and fix faults earlier, including by assessing overhead line equipment and track from trains to report potential damage and help engineers proactively address issues before they can lead to disruption.

The plans also set measurable targets across LNER, Network Rail, the Department for Transport, DFTO (Department for Transport Operator Limited) and the Office of Rail and Road – these include at least 67 per cent of LNER trains arriving within three minutes of their scheduled arrival at all stations and cancellations of LNER services being no more than 3.6 per cent.

John Grainger, joint head of performance, Network Rail and LNER, said:

“Excellent operational performance comes from how we work together across the whole railway system. By aligning our teams and priorities, we’re building a more reliable and resilient railway. This joined-up approach means we continue to work to further reduce delays, improve punctuality and deliver a better experience for our customers.”