Network Rail review welcomed

New appointments, which will be an opportunity for greater local input on planning and communication, says Transport Chair

29 July 2019

Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee has welcomed news that Network Rail has appointed new Route Directors for its Eastern region, who will have responsibility for putting passengers and freight customers first.

Responding to the announcement by Rob McIntosh, Network Rail’s Eastern Region Managing Director, Cllr Groves said: “I am pleased that Network Rail has carried out this review of its structure and made these new appointments, which will be an opportunity for greater local input on planning and communication.

“It is an opportunity to take a fresh look at the challenges the network faces and how to address the issues identified in the recent review by Cllr Blake and Andrew Jones MP, including the need passengers to have a greater voice in developments and for greater integration of track and train.”

“I will be contacting the new team and look forward to working with them to achieve look at how improvements for people and businesses, including freight customers across West Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region, can be delivered.”

Making the announcement, Rob McIntosh said: “I am delighted that we have got a team of great balance, who I know will bring a step change in delivery of our outcomes for passengers and our freight customers”

The new route director for North and East will be Matthew Rice and Paul Rutter will be route director for East Coast.

Find out more about the Blake Jones review's recommendations on putting rail passengers first.