British Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has called for publicly owned transport company Network Rail to work in collaboration with private train operating companies to run England's railway network.
As a result of the rail revamp, Network Rail will share track management duties with private service operators.
The move is expected to improve coordination between track and train operations, providing more reliable services for passengers.
In addition, a new rail operating body, named East West Rail, will be created to function separately from Network Rail.
Grayling said: “East West Rail will provide a commuter route for the crucial centres on its route and will provide the transport spine for additional housing and business development in a corridor which is one of the government’s priority areas for the future of our country.
“The new organisation will work hand in glove with the National Infrastructure Commission as it plans the development of this nationally important transport corridor to identify the best way to deliver the project.”
The Transport Secretary's plan also includes a closer alignment of incentives between infrastructure management and the operation of train services.
After its creation, East West Rail will design, construct and operate a new route between Oxford and Cambridge.
Other new rail franchises will also be introduced, with the first expected to be given responsibilities on the South Eastern and East Midlands lines in 2018.
As reported by the Independent, Network Rail has welcomed the changes as they will help boost the company’s existing ties with other rail operators.
Image: East West Rail to design, build and operate the route between Oxford and Cambridge. Photo: courtesy of Gov.UK.
