COMMENT
So I do take David’s comments seriously when he recommends there must be governance and leadership – otherwise the industry as a whole will not benefit.
Simon Kirby, managing
director of Infrastructure Projects at Network Rail, set forth his vision: “Get closer to our customers.
“The future of rail is being delivered now. Improvements being made both now and during CP5 are set to transform the rail infrastructure.”
Network Rail too is facilitating change, and has devolved routes to align with its customers.
There is a National Centre and a separate projects business working closer to its supply chain.
Network Rail will become a rail infrastructure
solution developer, integrator and deliverer, with additional support on engineering, design and asset protection.
With such a radical change to its business model, it is hoped that Network Rail (and the industry in general) will at long last offer a more ‘flexible’ approach to procurement, looking seriously at alternatives and embracing innovative solutions.
It has done so within the security and communications packages. Just look how far we have come with smart ticketing too, with the successful implementation of Oyster (and ITSO) and the benefits of congestion easing that has resulted.
It is with great anticipation we see the benefits of an electric spine across the UK, enhanced or re-developed stations, such as Birmingham New Street, London Bridge and Reading, 14 new signalling centres across the network – with the ultimate aim of providing great customer
service. In closing, I’ll reflect on comments by Sir Brian Souter, CEO of Stagecoach, who made a passionate speech reflecting on a year of reforms, and what comes
next . There is modal shift in transport, with more and more people choosing rail over the car and other forms of public transport. The environment is a key concern to everyone, but one thing that will make all the difference, he said, is “to be interested in the business” – “It’s people who will decide the Future of Rail.”
If you take my advice, you’ll put The Future of Rail in your diary for 2013 – it was an unmissable conference, which considered serious and complex issues facing everyone in the supply chain. Thanks to Marketforce for putting together a truly magnificent panel of global experts.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
W:
marketforce.eu.com Tw: @marketforcerail or #FOR12
rail technology magazine Dec/Jan 13 | 21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92