Looking after the infrastructure
No one can run a high-performance railway if the building blocks themselves – the rails, the signalling and the points are not up to scratch.
We are working to provide a more sustainable transport system for generations to come.
We are working to provide a more sustainable transport system for generations to come.
Our Track Record
We have made big improvements since we began running Britain’s railway in October 2002
Over the last six years we have beaten our principal safety targets, reduced delays and cut costs significantly. We have done it by taking maintenance in-house, rolling integrated control centres out across the network, continuing our massive programme of rebuilding the railway and working more closely with train and freight operators. We have improved the efficiency of running, maintaining and investing in the railway by nearly 30% in the last five years.
Investing for the future
When Network Rail was created, the railway was in great need of investment. After six years, Network Rail is delivering the best train punctuality in recorded history. There is still a long way to go but we are determined that the railway will become the outstanding example of how a national asset should be maintained and developed, and - most importantly - deliver an outstanding service to those who use it.
More passengers and more freight
In 2007/ 08, demands of Britain's rail network increased across all sectors - commuting, inter-urban, long distance and freight. The railway is the busiest it has ever been in over 60 years and is the fastest growing railway in Europe.
The railway currently carries around 3 million people every weekday and this is forecast to grow to 4 million within 10 years. To manage this growth we need to correct decades of underinvestment in maintenance and renewals as well as enhancing the network - the number and size of our projects is set to increase dramatically.