Infrastructure: The good, the bad and the ugly – Outgoing Managing Director of Network Rail South East, Dave Ward, provides a thorough review of the railway’s infrastructure and its efficient management. While he covers many areas (regulation, priorities and track access for example), the most interesting points he makes are relating to devolution and lessons. Ward says that devolution only works if the regional body views the railway system as a whole, and it is important to avoid a culture conflict where those in charge don’t have the right responsibilities: “to be accountable, an individual must have responsibility. Influence is just not good enough”. Wards final points on learning the lessons of the past with regards to people are also to be noted and strike a chord with the current problems at Network Rail: “Railway people need drive, and they need ability. It is a complex and hazardous environment, which needs high levels of competence and expertise, while also demonstrating compliance and safety.” – SB
We read it in: Modern Railways, July 2015, page 49
