SCOTRAIL
Maintaining momentum T
he last twelve months have proved to be a very challenging time
for Network Rail operations in Scotland, with its engineers having to contend with some extremely adverse weather conditions.
“We have had to deal with a very difficult winter period,” says Ron McAulay, director for Network Rail in Scotland.
“We had the worst weather that we have seen in Scotland since 1963 and this took its toll on the railway in Scotland, in that we had to curtail some services whilst adopting a different strategy to keep as many services on the go as possible.
“I have to say though that during that period I feel that the teams in Scotland performed extremely well in challenging conditions and circumstances to keep people moving. There was also a lot of disruption to the road network across Scotland and, comparatively speaking, I feel that the railway did very well.
“That said, it did knock progress with our delay minutes targets and the PPM, which has set us back slightly. However, since that extreme weather has passed, we have seen performance levels return to levels which we were experiencing before, regularly reaching over 90 per cent.
“Generally, if our performance drops below 93-94 per cent, we tend to get a bit worried, because that is not like us. Looking at today’s results, Scotland is currently standing at 97 per cent and that is getting to be the
Oct/Nov 10
Final tracks laid on Airdrie-Bathgate rail link Network Rail
Having dealt with one of the worst winters in Scotland for over forty years, Network Rail is pressing on with a variety of infrastructure projects. Rail Technology Magazine spoke to director for Network Rail in Scotland. Ron McAulay to find out more
norm. So it’s a good position to be in, with performance in Scotland just slightly ahead of target and with the PPM going in the right direction.”
Although this is an extremely impressive performance – especially when you factor in the cold weather which the Network Rail teams have had to deal with – there is always room for improvement.
“The last few years have shown a steady trend in the right direction and we want to see this continue. Our target moving annual average for PPM at the end of this control period is 92 per cent and we are on target to hit that. This means that what I am looking for in Scotland is a steady, continual improvement - I don’t think we are in need
of a massive step change in performance.”
Aside from their admittedly impressive performance, Network Rail in Scotland is also engaged in a number of large infrastructure projects.
“Within this control period there were four major projects which were highlighted within the final determinations. One of them was the Glasgow -Kilmarnock Route Enhancement project, which has now finished on time and on budget, with services up and running so that passengers can now enjoy the benefit of that work.
“The next project is the Airdrie - Bathgate Rail Link Project which is due to be come into service on the 12th of December this year.
I’m very pleased to say that we are on programme and have a very high degree of confidence that we will hit that date.
“All being well, the main commissioning works will begin in October, as will driver training and we will have services running for passengers to benefit from come the 12th of December. Whilst this is a very pleasing picture, we are not complacent or taking our eye off the ball, as we are putting a huge amount of focus on hitting those deadlines.
“The next project after that is the Paisley Corridor Improvement Project. Of course the Scottish Government decided last year not to extend the branch line to the airport, but a good 60-70 per cent of that project was centred
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