Dozens of schemes to ease congestion and improve punctuality on the railways are being delayed because Network Rail is failing to spend the tens of millions of pounds granted by the Government (link below.)
http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2006/11/network_rail_had_a_50m_budget.html#moreThe Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) accused the company yesterday of dragging its feet and failing to fulfil its commitments , leaving passengers to endure severe overcrowding on many routes.
Network Rail compiled a list of 171 urgent projects but could name only five where work had begun.
The company spent only £4 million last year of its £50 million annual budget for small schemes costing up to £5 million , such as extra platforms at cramped stations , a second track on single-track sections of line and new junctions to allow trains to cross at higher speeds.
The ORR demanded that Network Rail produce a clear delivery programme identifying specific schemes and giving completion dates.
It said part of the problem was Network Rail’s insistence that all spending on even the smallest schemes should be approved by a single committee.
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