A COMMITTEE of MPs has delivered a bleak assessment of Network Rail's management of major engineering work, and also called for more rail investment outside London. The House of Commons Transport Committee said it welcomed record investment committed to the ‘classic’ rail network but warns that Network Rail must also regain the confidence of passengers following recent disruption.

The report, entitled 'Investing in the railway', considers the problems at King's Cross and Paddington just after Boxing Day, when thousands of passengers were affected by overrunning possessions.

It concludes that the overruns were unacceptable, and that Network Rail must have adequate contingency plans. It must also work with Passenger Focus and train operating companies to improve communication with passengers when engineering works fail.

Other conclusions include that In the light of the change of status of Network Rail the ORR must reconsider whether fining a public sector body remains an effective means of control, that greater transparency is essential around rail spending, criteria used to allocate spending should be published and a 'traffic-light' system should indicate the status of each rail investment project.

Louise Ellman, who chairs the Committee, said: “With over 1.5 billion journeys made last year, millions of people rely on a train service to get to work or see family and friends. We welcome the record spending planned for the ‘classic’ rail network, but Treasury statistics demonstrate that for too long this spending has been focused on London. We call for revised — and published — criteria to ensure fairer funding allocations that reflect wider economic and social objectives.

“The chaos faced by passengers over Christmas at King’s Cross and Paddington, and the continuing disruption at London Bridge, are unacceptable. They are also a worrying sign for the capacity of Network Rail to manage multiple, complex engineering projects simultaneously. Network Rail must demonstrate that it can deliver key improvements — such as electrification in the North West and the Great Western Main Line — on time, and while still delivering safe an efficient services for all passengers.

“Reported delays to key infrastructure projects must be addressed by the Department for Transport. If a rail improvement or electrification project is announced for delivery in a set time period, there should be an expectation that it will be delivered on time.”

The report also called for the Government to take responsibility for rolling stock, to address general shortages and ensure there will be sufficient trains to run on newly-electrified lines.

Louise Ellman added: “Ministers must ensure there is sufficient rolling stock - of a decent quality - to run timetabled rail services and maximise the benefits of new infrastructure. Rising numbers of rail passengers have not being matched by investment in new rolling stock, resulting in overcrowding, and passengers unable to board some busy trains.

“The Secretary of State refused to tell us when the outdated and unpopular Pacer trains will be removed from the rail network — in Wales and the South West, as well as the North. We call for a clear commitment to remove Pacers from the rail network by 2020 at the latest.”