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The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), which represents many of the firms providing technical consultancy services across the rail network, said that while the planned £28.5bn investment in the network was to be welcomed, it was extremely concerned about the ORR seeking significant cost savings over the next five years.
Nelson Ogunshakin, ACE chief executive, said: "The ORR's stipulation that Network Rail should cut costs by almost a quarter - on top of the 27% savings they have already achieved since 2004 - is deeply worrying. It will be enormously challenging to deliver the investment and operational improvement required in the railway while reducing costs. However, consultancy and engineering firms are keen to sit down with Network Rail to discuss how best resources can be optimised across the network to meet the stiff targets that have been set."
Ogunshakin said that ACE would welcome an early opportunity to sit down with Network Rail to discuss their plans. "The next five years will see unprecedented investment in expanding the network and improving services. We want to work closely with Network Rail in partnership to deliver an effective and efficient rail network and a quality service to customers," he said.
-ENDS-
Further information from ACE communications and public affairs director Andy Walker on 020 7227 1889, 07947 558654 (mobile) or email awalker@acenet.co.uk
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