Nigel Wunsch of Network Rail Scotland gave an excellent presentation to the Scottish Area group on Wednesday 27 April. Nigel began by explaining the structure and purpose of Network Rail. It was a private sector organisation with a public mission and rather than being “not for profit” it should be described as “not for dividend”. He outlined the vast scope of Network Rail in Scotland – this included 345 stations, 650 level crossings, 3,000 staff, 14,000 structures and well over 2,000 route kilometres.
Nigel reported some very positive UK wide indicators including passenger journeys being at the highest since 1946 and very high levels of punctuality, safety and passenger satisfaction. He remarked that performance in Scotland had been affected by the severe winter conditions and that Network Rail were reviewing key route strategies for points clearance, and considering the impact of frost on platforms.
Scotland was seeing major railway investment including the opening of the Airdrie to Bathgate line, improvements between Glasgow Central and Paisley Gilmour Street, increased services between Glasgow and Kilmarnock and renovation at Edinburgh Waverley. Nigel also explained the “EGIP” plans for the electrification and development of central Scottish rail services, which might ultimately see a fastest journey time from Edinburgh to Glasgow of 37 minutes, and up to 13 hourly services over the various routes between the cities.
He explained the preparation being done for “devolution” for Network Rail Scotland – a framework would help to clarify what was to be done by the route and what was to be done centrally. He also touched on the potential benefits which could arise from HS2 proposals.
In conclusion Nigel explained that Network Rail remained focussed on safety, performance, increasing passenger and freight traffic and further investment all underpinned by partnership and good communications.