Hello, and welcome to the May newsletter.
Safeguarding the interests of current and future rail and road users is at the core of our purpose at the Office of Rail and Road. This vital role translates into a wide range of responsibilities and activities we undertake throughout the year.
To ensure transparency and accountability, we have published our annual Business Plan outlining our goals for the coming year (2024-2025). This plan outlines our initiatives designed to achieve our strategic objectives: safer railways, better rail customer service, ensuring value for money and better highways.
A safer railway
We remain focussed on ensuring we have a safer railway. As we enter the first year of Control Period 7 (CP7), we are readying ourselves to hold Network Rail to the commitments to safety it made in its Delivery Plan.
Better rail customer service
Accessibility to the rail network and services for all customers, and in particular customers with disabilities, will continue to be a priority area for us this year. Our work will include scrutiny of the provision of assistance at stations managed by Network Rail, which accounts for over a third of the assistance booked by passengers, and of the reliability of lifts across the network, which are essential for passengers who need step-free access.
Value for money from the railway
Holding Network Rail, as infrastructure manager for the GB mainline rail network, to account is one of the central ways in which we ensure that the railway is run in the most efficient way for users and funders.
Better highways
National Highways has obligations to road users and funders to operate, maintain and enhance an efficient, safe, and reliable strategic road network, which comprises the motorways and major A roads in England. As the independent regulator of these highways, we use our regulatory powers to hold the company to account for delivery of this.
We continue our commitment in fulfilling our responsibilities of providing oversight, scrutiny and assurance of Network Rail and National Highways, as well as other entities such as the High Speed 1 rail line and the Channel Tunnel (jointly with the French ART) acting with independence, and keeping the best interests of rail and road users at the forefront.
Along with our annual Business Plan, we have published our refreshed Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for 2024 to 2027, including our goals, how we will meet them, and how we will ensure delivery.
We are committed to go beyond our legal duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty. We actively strive to build a workforce with a rich diversity of thought and skills, where everyone feels comfortable and respected.
We demonstrate our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion through the values that underpin everything we do: we aim to be inclusive, professional, ambitious, and collaborative.
Vinita Hill
Director of Corporate Operations
Top stories
New track access dashboard launched to hold industry to account on efficient use of the rail network
We have launched a new online track access dashboard to improve efficiency and transparency in how train companies use the rail network. This tool will help identify areas where more trains can be added or where existing services can be optimised, ultimately benefitting passengers with more reliable timetables.
Rail operators called on to improve complaints processes and redress provision for disabled passengers
In April, we published a report that showed that, while most disabled passengers are aware of their right to complain about rail services, some find the complaints process inaccessible and lack awareness of how to claim redress for missed assistance. We are working with train operators to improve accessibility of the complaints process and ensure passengers feel empowered to raise concerns.
Approval given for enhancements at Dore & Totley station
Passengers travelling between Sheffield and Manchester will benefit from improved reliability and accessibility thanks to the newly authorised upgrades at Dore & Totley station. The project includes a new platform serving Manchester-bound trains, a new accessible footbridge with lifts, and additional track to ease congestion. This marks a significant step forward for the Hope Valley Line improvements, and we have ensured the project meets safety and accessibility standards.
Blogs
On track for a green future: ORR’s environmental role
In his blog, Senior Policy Manager, Daniel Roberts, underlines our commitment to a greener transport future. We work to minimise the environmental impact of the railways and roads we oversee. This includes setting environmental performance targets, encouraging sustainable practices by operators, and reducing its own environmental footprint. This is the first in a series of blogs highlighting our environmental efforts.
Podcasts
You can catch up on all our podcasts on our website including our most recent podcast, Episode 22: Rail Passenger Experience – targeting improvements
Statistics
In April we published the following statistics: