New rail director appointed for devolved Western route

Listen to this article

Network Rail has appointed a new route managing director, Patrick Hallgate, to lead its devolved business unit on the Western route.

Mr Hallgate, 37, brings with him 12 years of railway experience that includes steering major national signalling and electrification programmes across Britain.

Mr Hallgate will be responsible for the development and operation of nearly 1,000 miles of railway in Great Western, which covers London Paddington, Thames Valley and the entire South West of England.

This move forms part of the company’s drive to increase its responsiveness to customers at a local level by devolving more power, responsibility and accountability away from the centre and into new business units.

Mr Hallgate, who is currently the programme director (signalling and electrification), will start his role in October when the new route begins operations.

Robin Gisby, managing director, Network Operations, Network Rail said:

“Network Rail has big plans to transform the railway on Great Western in the next decade and to succeed, the company needs to be more agile and responsive.

“Patrick’s experience in managing large-scale improvement schemes and as a former route director will help the company forge stronger ties with our customers that are vital to a robust, high-performing and progressive railway.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Hallgate said:

“It is an exciting time ahead for the Western route and I am looking forward to the task ahead to lead the team to it success. The scale of investment over the next few years gives us a great opportunity to deliver a lasting legacy of improvements to passengers.”

Mr Hallgate, as the route managing director, will be responsible for:

  • Safety
  • All customer service matters
  • Asset management and spend
  • Operations
  • Planning and delivering maintenance
  • Delivering some renewal and enhancement work

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Rail News

ORR review leads to 50% reduction in maximum fees for ticket refunds

New rules will mean that from 2 April the maximum fee that train operators and ticket retailers can charge...

More like this...