One resignation 'not enough'

The TSSA transport union has called on the Network Rail infrastructure company to invest properly in maintenance after the ORR launched an investigation into “performance issues” on lines in the Wales and Western region. Network Rail’s managing director for the region, Michelle Handforth, resigned days after hundreds of passengers were left stranded in dark carriages for hours in west London.

“Whilst the events at Paddington on Friday 8 December undeniably happened on Ms Handforth’s watch, there is a bigger picture here of cuts to Network Rail Maintenance teams,” said TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust. “Delays to essential repairs and maintenance to railway infrastructure mean cancellations and delays on the railway will happen more often, and there will be increased safety risks. One person resigning simply isn’t enough.”