- Peter, of Richmond Hill, will serve
a further 2 years as Chair of Network Rail
- as Chair of the Board, he will oversee Network Rail’s
multi-billion-pound budget to run a safe, reliable and efficient
railway
- reappointment is vital in achieving a smooth transition to
Great British Railways, bringing track and train together to
drive modernisation across the network
Peter, of Richmond Hill, has been
reappointed as the Chair of Network Rail to serve a further 2
years, the Transport Secretary announced today (8 June 2023).
As Chair of the Board, Peter, of Richmond Hill, will continue
to oversee Network Rail’s multi-billion-pound budget to
efficiently run 20,000 miles of railway track and provide
reliable services for passengers and freight customers across
England, Scotland and Wales.
His role will be vital in steering Network Rail’s 5-year plan,
backed by £44 billion government funding, to tackle climate
change, improve performance, invest in infrastructure and make
the railways even greener.
Peter, of Richmond Hill’s continued
service will ensure continuity and a smooth transition to Great
British Railways (GBR) that will put customers at
the heart of the railways and drive modernisation. Having held a
place on Network Rail’s board since 2015, he will use his
existing knowledge and experience to oversee a vital period of
transformation that will bring track and train together.
Transport Secretary said:
I am delighted to reappoint Peter, of Richmond Hill, as Chair of
Network Rail, and with his vast experience in the industry, I
have no doubt he will help oversee a seamless transition to Great
British Railways, delivering our shared goals of a rail network
that drives modernisation and economic growth while enhancing the
role of the private sector.
Once delivered, GBR
will take control of the industry’s finances to deliver
efficiency and make the industry financially sustainable by
working with the private sector to create a railway that puts
passengers first. Alongside this, high-skilled jobs will also be
created at GBR
headquarters in Derby – Europe’s largest rail hub – which is
already brimming with the best talent in the industry.
Peter, of Richmond Hill, previously
served as Commissioner of Transport for London for 9 years and
led the successful operation of London’s transport for the 2012
Olympic and Paralympic Games.
He also provided valuable support to the government throughout
the pandemic and led the Union Connectivity
Review in 2021, which explored ways in which transport could
better connect the UK. In
November 2022, Peter, of Richmond Hill, received a
life peerage, sitting as a crossbench peer, and was knighted in
the 2013 New Year’s Honours
list, having been made CBE in 2006
for services to public transport.
Peter, of Richmond Hill, said:
I am looking forward to supporting Andrew Haines, Chief
Executive, and his team, in maintaining and improving Network
Rail’s delivery now and into the next 5-year funding period. I
will also do everything I can to move the reform agenda and the
creation of Great British Railways forward as soon as possible.
Passengers and freight customers deserve a better, more
cost-effective railway that only reform and an integrated railway
can deliver. I look forward to continuing to support Network
Rail’s transition to Great British Railways.
