New boss to oversee plans for nationalisation of rail services in West Midlands
A new rail chief has been appointed in the West Midlands as part of plans to nationalise services.
Denise Wetton has been named as integrated managing director of Greater British Railway West Midlands/
She has previously been the route director for Network Rail’s Central Route
The new role will see her oversee work to bring track and trains under a single ownership. a single ownership.
Operating under a single leadership team, GBR West Midlands will join three existing “integrated railways” in Britain – GBR South Eastern, GBR South Western and GBR Anglia.
Denise (pictured) said: “This is an exciting time where we can really start to bring track and train together, building on past successes for an even better future.
“We will create a railway that meets the needs of the communities we serve, and a railway that we and our customers can be proud of.
“Great British Railways is a once in a generation opportunity to improve performance on the railway and deliver a better railway for everyone. The hard work starts now, and I am excited to get started.”
Bosses say the switch to GBR will help reduce delays and keep passengers moving by allowing daytime track access and the installation of on-train cameras that can rapidly report rail defects.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: "Denise’s appointment marks an important step towards Great British Railways and the simpler, more joined-up railway it will deliver.
“By bringing track and train closer together, we can improve reliability, deliver better value for taxpayers, and build a railway that has passengers and freight at its heart. I look forward to working with her and her team at GBR West Midlands to realise the benefits this approach will bring to deliver growth, jobs and homes across the region.”
Jake Kelly, managing director for Network Rail's North West & Central Region, said: “Denise’s appointment as Integrated Managing Director for GBR West Midlands is a major step forward as we move towards Great British Railways.
“Since becoming Route Director for Central Route, she has championed closer working with train operators and Mayoral Combined Authority partners to deliver a better, more joined-up railway for passengers.
“In this new role, bringing track and train together across the West Midlands, Denise is perfectly placed to build on that momentum and drive even greater improvements for the people and communities we are proud to serve."
