Grand Central appoints EWS Network as operator of Passenger Control Desk

In a move to help ensure maximum robustness of its newly-launched full timetable, Grand Central has appointed Doncaster-based rail freight operator EWS Network to provide hour-by-hour operational control of train service running and resourcing.

Under the terms of the new arrangements with EWS Network, a new Doncaster “Control Office” will initiate actions to counter the effects of service disruption or emergencies, in conjunction with Network Rail’s Control and Northern Rail’s Maintenance Control in York.

A daily log will record performance details, incidents, resource information, items affecting performance and emergency/supplementary notice items, passenger counts etc. It will be reviewed on a daily basis by Grand Central Managers, who will deal with issues that require resolution.

Where Grand Central services have been delayed or in other circumstances where reports are considered necessary, the EWS Network Control Manager, in conjunction with the Network Rail Control Manager, will initiate investigations via the train-crew of the affected train, as all Grand Central train crew are issued with Blackberry devices.

Mark Keighley, Business Development Manager of EWS Network, comments: “Grand Central is bringing innovation to railway passenger services, and we are delighted to have provided a dedicated control facility for their train operations. We look forward to delivering a reliable service to Grand Central 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Tom Clift, Managing Director of Grand Central Railway Company, adds: “Ensuring that our trains run smoothly and on time is very much a team effort between our own staff, Network Rail Control and our train maintenance team at Northern Rail. I am delighted that EWS Network has now become part of that team and am confident that this will deliver even greater level of robustness to our operations.”