OPRAF

Mike Grant gets down to business as franchising director
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date 4 May 1999
source OPRAF
type Press release

Michael Grant takes up his duties as Director of Passenger Rail Franchising today. This follows the announcement of his appointment to the post by the Deputy Prime Minister on 7 April.

Mr Grant will work closely with Shadow Strategic Rail Authority head Sir Alastair Morton to implement, and advise Government on, key national rail policy issues including renegotiation and reletting of the current passenger rail franchises.

Commenting on his job priorities, he said:

" I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and to playing a very positive role at the heart of the strategic planning to prepare the rail industry for the next millennium.

" My experience with the British Railways Board, Eurotunnel and Railtrack will be helpful, and I am optimistic about future prospects for introducing new investment into, and extracting improved service from, the rail network. The signs of a resurgence in the use of our railways are already there. I see it as my priority to ensure that the system continues to thrive whilst also serving its passengers to the highest possible standard.

" On operational performance, I shall be pressing both the operators and Railtrack to reverse the current disappointing trend in punctuality and look forward, together with the travelling public, to seeing the plans announced at February’s National Rail Summit being translated into action on the ground.

" I would like to thank my predecessor John O’ Brien for helping me take up this task and also to pay tribute to his work for OPRAF ".

Railhub Archive ::: 1999-05-04 OPR-001