North East Herts MP, Sir Oliver Heald, has met the Chairman of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Professor Stephen Glaister, to discuss the recent rail timetable chaos which has led to passengers enduring delays, cancellations and uncertainty about their journeys.
Professor Glaister published an interim enquiry report into the May timetable chaos on 20 September and is finalising his main report. Sir Oliver pressed for improved co-ordination between Network Rail and the rail operator and also that there should be much better planning for major changes on the railways. He suggested that the sort of Delivery Body used in the Olympics preparations might be a good model. Professor Glaister and his team also outlined their approach to the issues and explained that the final report would set out their concerns.
Commenting, Sir Oliver said: “It was good to have the opportunity to explain to Professor Glaister about the dreadful experience of passengers on our line. I also put forward ideas for better future co-ordination and planning for major changes. I was glad to have the opportunity to make these points at the highest level in the enquiry.”