Thursday 22 June 2017

Gibb Report published

Chris Gibb's report into Southern's performance has been published.

It's a chunky 163 pages so will take some reading.

However, some of the headline findings here:

  • Industrial action is the main cause of problems
  • Unions should accept ORR regulates safety and should work with GTR to modernise working practices
  • Need for NR to establish a System Operator function (done)
  • Need for two track timetable at night on BML to enable maintenance (done)
  • Electrify Uckfield (see relevant appendix)
  • Withdraw the 442s (done)
  • Transfer East Croydon - Milton Keynes to TfL Overground, and Ashford - Hastings to SE franchise
  • Sort out Thameslink 2018 train stabling, provide for future stabling to handle more trains
  • Review Thameslink driver depot strategy
  • Restart stalled station capacity schemes at Victoria, Gatwick and East Croydon
  • Improve despatch at Victoria, London Bridge and Brighton
  • Improve suicide prevention
  • Implement Thameslink 2018 plan in small stages between Dec, 17 and Dec, 18
  • Review off peak and small station service levels
  • Align TOC and NR incentives and targets using joint delay repay
  • Set up 2018 Thameslink industry readiness board (done)
Eye understands not much has been redacted from the final report (although Appendix 9 containing 'Recommendations regarding the GTR franchise agreement' is missing).