Does Haines Know Something We Dont?

[whole diary]

[Lee]

Quote from the article link below :
http://oxfordmail.net/display.var.2028788.0.train_boss_vows_services_will_improve.php

Mr Haines said he expected infrastructure improvements, such as converting lines used for freight into passenger routes, an additional platform at Oxford and the doubling of sections of the Cotswold line would all ease congestion, which he blamed for most of FGW^▸ (First Great Western) delays.

Unless AH knows differently, much of the above hasnt actually been approved yet.

Further quote :

Mr Haines, of East Hanney, said about 70 per cent of delays in the Thames Valley were the fault of Network Rail, and FGW and Network Rail were working together, "identifying changes needed".

Network Rail said only 48 per cent of delays were its responsibility.

Working together but disagreeing on a fundamental issue....

[willc]

For an extended version of this interview see

http://www.theoxfordtimes.net/business/profiles/display.var.2026810.0.trains_take_the_strain.php

[Lee]

Quotes from the article contained in the post above :

Mr Haines said: "I'll stick my neck out and say this: I expect positive news in 2008 about the conversion of exisiting goods loops for passenger trains and an additional platform at Oxford, as well as confirmation of Network Rail's plans to redouble sections of the North Cotswolds line."

I asked him what his relationship with the DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) was like now, since many of his problems with the introduction of December's new timetable were down to decisions made by civil servants.

He said: "It's true that they specified, but we signed up to it. So it is up to us now."

[Btline]

Good. So will that be Norton Junction to Evesham then?

But in the long term, the whole line needs to be done.

Chiltern did it!