Network Rail regional route MD renews pledge to work with communities

New regional route managing director of Network Rail, Rob McIntosh, highlights the importance of the electrification and upgrade of two major rail lines and vows to engage with local communities to provide economic growth.

Network Rail regional route MD renews pledge to work with communities

Rob McIntosh, future route managing director for the London North Eastern and East Midlands

Network Rail’s new route managing director for London North Eastern and East Midlands, Rob McIntosh, says he is excited about the future ahead of work to electrify and upgrade two major rail lines that will improve journey times for millions of passengers.

McIntosh was appointed to lead electrification and improvement work on Midland Main Line and the TransPennine routes which have seen rapid growth in passenger numbers and freight.

The route, which connects London and its commuter belt to the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the north east of England, covers more than 2,000 miles of railway and carries hundreds of thousands of passengers and thousands of tonnes of freight every day.

“Network Rail is a complex organisation and can be seen as difficult to engage with. I want us to change that perception”

Ahead of starting the role in January 2016, Rob said: “We are about to deliver two major electrification and upgrade infrastructure projects as well as a host of other improvements all across the network that will bring noticeable reliability, connectivity and economic benefits to the towns and cities we serve.

“The unprecedented levels of investment we are making to upgrade the East Coast Main Line, the Midland Main Line and the TransPennine routes, as well as all the other planned upgrades and improvements in this control period that will benefit the 180m passengers who use our route each year, make this a genuinely exciting time to be taking on this role.”

Rob also underlined the importance of the relationship between Network Rail and passengers, communities and lineside neighbours.

“Network Rail is a complex organisation and can be seen as difficult to engage with. I want us to change that perception,” he said.

“What we do every day and night of the year to not just maintain, but upgrade the rail infrastructure that is so vital to this country, creates the opportunity for growth and prosperity for the towns, cities and communities we serve. It is only right that we play our role in developing and delivering their transport needs as part of a genuine partnership.”