2004-01-19 Major rail review announced (Department for Transport)

2004-01-19 Railways (Department for Transport)

2004-01-19 ATOC response To Alistair Darling’s announcement in the House of Commons (ATOC)

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date 24 March 2004
source Network Rail
type Press release

note PR04022

Network Rail today announced the award of the latest of its new, five year, track renewals contracts.

The multi-million pound, five year ‘framework’ renewals contracts represent a key element of Network Rail’s task of rebuilding Britain’s railway and will deliver cost reductions and significant improvements in value for money through: -

o more integrated methods of working
o improved specification
o optimisation of job lengths
o better utilisation of track access and resources
o competitive pricing
o benchmarking unit rates for standardised work types

The contracts that have been awarded are to Jarvis for plain line and switch and crossing renewals work in the London North Eastern region and switch and crossing work in Scotland and follow twelve months of detailed negotiations between the parties. They are the latest in a series of phased announcements that will conclude in the coming weeks to cover renewals contracts for the entire network.

The contracts form an integral part of the company’s drive to improve the condition of its assets and catch up on the backlog of track renewals resulting from years of under investment.

Network Rail Chief Executive John Armitt said: “The award of these contracts is a significant step toward our goal of controlling costs, whilst delivering a safer, more reliable railway infrastructure and better train performance. The huge task of rebuilding our railway is well underway.”

- ends -


Notes for editors:
o The London North Eastern region covers the North East, Yorkshire, Humberside, North Lincolnshire and the East Coast Main Line into London King’s Cross.

o The ‘go-live’ date for the renewals contract is 5 April 2004

Network Rail is the 'not for dividend' operator of Britain's rail network. Our objective is to provide safe, reliable and efficient rail infrastructure.

We own and maintain the tracks, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, and level crossings. We also own the network’s 2,500 stations, and manage the largest and the busiest. We provide access to the tracks for every passenger and freight train, timetable their journeys, and operate the signaling, which controls their movements.

Network Rail is a company limited by guarantee with members instead of shareholders. It is run as a commercial organisation, but any operating surplus is re-invested in the rail network.

Our core focus is the operation, maintenance and renewal of existing rail infrastructure, with the Strategic Rail Authority taking the lead on enhancement projects.

We have set clear targets to improve performance and reduce costs, but safety is always at the forefront of our activities as we rebuild Britain's railway.

Details about the Company can be found on the Network Rail web site: www.networkrail.co.uk

For media enquiries please contact the Network Rail press office on
020 7557 8292 / 3

Railhub Archive ::: 2004-03-24 NET-001