ORR finds that Network Rail’s North West and Central region performed well, but underdelivered on asset renewals

However, the region underdelivered on asset renewals and needs to improve asset reliability.

ORR finds that North West and Central worked hard to retain the passenger and freight train service performance improvements achieved in the previous year. Although performance declined as the network became busier, it remained much better than before the pandemic.

The region responded positively to ORR’s findings from its May 2020 investigation into poor performance and has satisfactorily addressed all 25 of the regulator’s recommendations for improvement.

The regulator finds that North West and Central did not fully deliver its planned asset renewal work, and asset reliability was below target. The region needs to improve the reliability of its track and electrical power assets. It also has a backlog of structures examinations which it needs to reduce.  

North West and Central performed well against its efficiency target for the year, delivering £162m in efficiencies, ahead of its £158 million target. 

Patrick Crowley, ORR’s Senior Regulation Manager for the North West and Central region said:

Notes to Editors

1. Network Rail Annual Assessment North West and Central region
2. Network Rail Annual Assessment GB
3. Network Rail Annual Assessment national press release