David Simpson
Route Managing Director, Network Rail
Thursday, June 30, 2011
David Simpson, Network Rail’s newly appointed Route Managing Director, talks to SPT Express about the importance of investment in good quality public transport, improving service performance and the case for high speed rail to Scotland.
1) You were appointed as Network Rail’s Route Managing Director for Scotland back in May. How would you describe your first couple of months in this new role?
The Scotland route is now, in effect, its own devolved railway infrastructure business and, as route MD, I’m responsible for the day-to-day management of all activities such as safety, customer service, asset management, operations and maintenance.
This is a positive change for the railway which will enable us to meet customers’ needs more effectively.
The response of our staff to these changes has been very positive and I’m enjoying the challenge of demonstrating to our business, and the wider industry, just how much devolution can deliver.
2) What marks out of 10 would you give Scotland's transport network and why?
Overall, a healthy 8 out of 10, given the progress made on delivering new rail lines in the past few years and the progress on road schemes. We still need to find better ways to integrate different modes.
3) Despite the current economic climate, how important is it to invest in transport infrastructure, particularly with the Commonwealth Games looming large?
“The subway is an iconic part of Glasgow and its history as well as an excellent way of travelling around the city.”
Investment in good quality public transport is vital if we want to continue to grow the country’s economy and reduce our impact on the environment. Recent experience shows that rail projects which meet an indentified need – such as the new Airdrie-Bathgate rail link or the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine line – can be a success with businesses and passengers alike.
4) What do you see as the main transport challenges for Network Rail in the years ahead?
Further improving performance and punctuality on the existing passenger network is a key priority – punctuality reached 91% last year, compared to 78% under Railtrack, but we are committed to even more improvement in the years ahead.
Delivering the wide range of enhancement projects to which we are committed is also a priority. The Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme alone represents five years of hard work, with over 350km of line to be electrified as well as major upgrades to existing stations and the construction of new facilities.
5) You were involved in the introduction of Pendolino “tilt trains” on part of the West Coast Main Line and the appetite for faster transport has made High Speed Rail a hot topic politically and in the media. What’s your opinion of the Government’s planned Y-shaped network from London to Birmingham, then Manchester and Leeds?
Network Rail supports the government’s plans to develop a high speed rail network. We also produced our own new lines study in 2008 which found there was a business case for bringing high speed to Scotland.
6) The Glasgow Subway is an integral part of the city’s transport infrastructure, but was last upgraded 30 years ago. SPT is progressing big plans to modernise the system. What’s your view on that?
The subway is an iconic part of Glasgow and its history as well as an excellent way of travelling around the city and I’m pleased to see plans for its redevelopment being progressed.
7) Where is your favourite place in Scotland to visit?
I have been privileged to visit the top of our Forth Bridge to view the £200m refurbishment project we are currently undertaking to restore this landmark structure and can say that there are few better places from which to appreciate Scotland’s grandeur.
8) What’s has been your favourite book and film of the year so far?
My favourite film so far this year has been the King’s Speech – a moving story of determination. I’ve read so many books that I’d struggle to pick out a favourite, but I do enjoy anything by David Lodge and his latest novel ‘A Man of Parts’ touched on the life of HG Wells in a most entertaining way.
