Wednesday 14 January 2009

I'd like to thank my accountant...

Telegrammed by 222 Marylebone Road
With the credit crunch tightening and even Eurostar revenue flat, industry black tie bun-fights - sorry - awards ceremonies, are looking to be ever more relevant and quantifiable.

So instead of 'Railway manager of the year' and 'Prettiest station' expect 'Most profitable TOC', 'Largest reduction in head count' and, if DafT can find enough change down the back of Dr Death's office sofa 'ROSCO with the lowest profit margin on its ex-BR fleet'.

Other possible categories include 'Network Rail territory with the lowest spend per mile on OHLE maintenance' and 'Operator with shortest booking office hours' and 'Most protracted rolling stock procurement exercise'.

Eye has already offered to sponsor the 'fleet with the longest unchanged livery' category.