Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Network Rail’s train planning resources for implementing the December 2018 timetable changes.

At the Department’s request, Andrew Haines (Network Rail CEO) led industry in reviewing plans for the December 2018 timetable in light of the disruption seen in May 18, ensuring that the plans could be introduced smoothly for passengers. Part of this process included consideration of the Network Rail planning capability needed within a wider assessment of risks and deliverability. Network Rail continues to work with operators to deliver the agreed plan on time.