ORR publishes its fifth annual statement on Network Rail's performance

17 September 2008
ORR/28/08

The annual assessment of Network Rail for the period April 2007 to March 2008 was published today by the Office of Rail Regulation.

The assessment covers how the company has operated, maintained, renewed and developed the mainline rail network and protected the public and its workforce.

ORR Chief Executive Bill Emery said: "It is heartening to report that Network Rail has continued to improve its stewardship of the network, and it is on course to achieve the targets set for this control period five years ago.  This has contributed to enabling Britain’s railway to be more punctual and reliable than it has been for a decade.

"Our assessment highlights that the company still has some way to go on efficiency. It will have to learn from the working practices of its peers if it is to deliver the best value for taxpayers and fare-payers over the course of the next year and new control period.

"Last year no passengers were killed in train accidents, but safety performance was overshadowed by the deaths of two track workers and although the risks from level crossings are well managed, there was an increase in level crossing misuse events.

"We note a deterioration in levels of satisfaction among Network Rail’s customers which shows that the company still has to find ways of improving the service it provides to rail operators."

Press enquiries

ORR Press Office – 020 7282 2188

Related documents