Cllr Blake responds to ORR Inquiry into the May timetable disruption

7 December 2018

Responding to today's report from the Office of Rail and Road Inquiry into the May timetable disruption, Cllr Judith Blake, who leads on transport for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and is Leader of Leeds City Council, said: "At the root of the chaotic introduction of the new timetable in May was a failure to put the interests of passengers first when decisions were taken and I am pleased today's report highlights the need to urgently address the culture of the rail industry to prevent a repetition. The review I am co-chairing will set out recommendations to ensure accountability to passengers in the delivery of rail services across the North of England when it reports early in the New Year."

"Passengers continue to experience poor punctuality and reliability with as many as 200 a day left on station platforms in our region and we continue to press the operators and Network Rail to take action to deliver the service the North of England deserves. We also need significant investment in infrastructure to sustain the growth in rail use and help us deliver our inclusive growth ambitions."

A full copy of the independent inquiry can be accessed from ORR.gov.uk (opens in new tab)

Cllr Blake is leading a review into the introduction of the May timetable with Rail Minister Andrew Jones which will report in the New Year.