Rail passengers

In our latest annual assessment, we find that Network Rail has continued to deliver efficiencies in how it operates, maintains and renews the national rail infrastructure. However, we also report that the company will deliver fewer renewals than originally planned.

Britain's rail industry must maintain a relentless focus on safety as it undergoes major reform, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) says in its annual health and safety report published today. The report comes just weeks after the fatal train collision at Elstow, near Bedford, which highlighted the severe consequences of major rail accidents.