Virgin Train Cheif Executive joins Network Rail

[DarloRich]

http://www.networkrailmediacentre.c...-TO-JOIN-NETWORK-RAIL-ON-SECONDMENT-1ad7.aspx

A very interesting step - closer collaborative working with Virgin Trains.

 

[calc7]

Can only be a good thing imo.

 

[All Line Rover]

Can only be a good thing imo.

I agree in part, although a valid concern is that he might give Virgin Trains preferential treatment over London Midland.

 

[snail]

I agree in part, although a valid concern is that he might give Virgin Trains preferential treatment over London Midland.

There will be equally high concerns I'm sure that it will work the other way too, he won't want to be seen to be giving anything away to VT!

 

[DarloRich]

Some more information suggests that he will work with Network Rail to see what changes can be made to enable NR to be able to deliver a more consistent and robust service. This will involve working with other customers on the WCML as VT make up only around 30 per cent of the traffic on the WCML.

He look at what changes can be made in terms of track access to get more efficient work on renewals and on maintenance and what improvements can be made from an operational and control point of view.

He will start work immediately and will work with NR for a maximum of six months, working particularly with the southern section of the WCML to see what short and medium term plans can be implemented to get a more consistent and improved performance. He will not be taking line management responsibilities and will retain his role within VT.

 

[calc7]

I agree in part, although a valid concern is that he might give Virgin Trains preferential treatment over London Midland.

On a purely selfish basis, that wouldn't bother me.

I do agree with snail though - he will be keen to avoid any such whispers of favouritism. Operationally, fully engaging LM may actually prove better to Virgin too - it's not a zero-sum game.

 

[38Cto15E]

There was an interesting article in the Mail on Sunday yesterday where the journalist was less than complimentary towards Virgin trains, he didn't like the layout of First Class, and was less than impressed with the £423 cost of the ticket for a First Class anytime return.
Sorry edit, It was for a London Euston to Manchester return journey.

 

[All Line Rover]

There was an interesting article in the Mail on Sunday yesterday where the journalist was less than complimentary towards Virgin trains, he didn't like the layout of First Class, and was less than impressed with the £423 cost of the ticket for a First Class anytime return.
Sorry edit, It was for a London Euston to Manchester return journey.

Anyone who works for the Daily Mail is likely to be unimpressed with paying £423 for a return journey from London to Manchester. Not exactly Virgin's target market.

 

[dggar]

Anyone who works for the Daily Mail is likely to be unimpressed with paying £423 for a return journey from London to Manchester. Not exactly Virgin's target market.

Can't imagine he'd be paying it out of his own pocket anyway.

 

[David10]

Anyone who works for the Daily Mail is likely to be unimpressed with paying £423 for a return journey from London to Manchester. Not exactly Virgin's target market.

Being the Daily Mail presumably it somehow was tied to house price movements?

 

[HH]

It's interesting that this secondment runs to the end of the existing franchise. Is CG lining himself up an exit job?

 

[rail-britain]

It's interesting that this secondment runs to the end of the existing franchise. Is CG lining himself up an exit job?

That was mu first thought on seeing this and the dates overlap
Equally, there must be a conflict of interest as there are other operators provided by Network Rail where Virgin Trains operate (not just Virgin Trains)