Hynes to Northern

This from the Abellio website...

Following the announcement in late March that Ian Bevan had decided to step down from his role as MD of Northern Rail, Abellio and Serco have appointed Alex Hynes as MD for Northern, commencing in September 2013.
 
Alex’s early career as a senior consultant for Halcrow Fox saw him providing policy, financial and economic advice to transport operators in UK rail franchise bidding. He then progressed his career with the ORR before joining the Go-Ahead Group in 2005, performing a number of roles including Commercial Director for London Midland and his most recent role as MD – Rail Development. In this role he was a member of Go-Ahead’s Executive Committee and led the development and delivery of Go-Ahead’s 5 year rail strategy including all franchise bidding activity.
 
Alex brings a wealth of experience in which will position him well to take Northern Rail to the next stage of operational excellence across all aspects of the business. We welcome him to the Group and wish him every success in his new role.
 
We would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to Alan Chaplin for undertaking the role of Acting MD to date and pending Alex’s commencement at which time he will facilitate a smooth handover before returning to focus on his COO role. 

Nothing about the appointment on Serco's website though...

ATOC to hold wake for franchising?

Good news for fans of black armbands and dirges!

ATOC is hosting a tres elegant soiree in July to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Railways Act, the piece of legislation that paved the way for, in Chris Grayling's words, "a flawed privitisation".

Quite so.

The timing could not be better with the next party of government nudging ever closer to renationalising the railways, according to an article today by Mark Ferguson on Labour List.

No matter!

No doubt those attending the ATOC bun fight, including the Secretary of State for Transport, will appreciate the deep irony of holding it in the former home of the Greater London Council (now the Marriott County Hall).

Of course that was another piece of Tory abolition legislation that has subsequently been reversed.

More amusing still is the fact that the successors to the GLC, the Mayor and GLA, are absolutely adamant that Concessions, rather than Franchises, are the way forward for rail services; unless of course you include London Underground which remains resolutely state-owned.

Perhaps ATOC realises the game is up?

Pointless signs - Exeter Central

This from the Wicked Weaver...

They must be short of seats at Exeter Central.

Pointless signs - Ashford

This from @Goddent83...

People in Ashford have long memories...