THERE is a need for 'radical change' within the rail industry, Transport for the North has said following a report on timetable disruption in May.

A report by the Office of Rail and Road, 'Independent Inquiry into the Timetable Disruption in May 2018', blamed Northern, Network Rail and itself – among others – for the crisis.

Northern saw 310 weekday services cancelled at peak during the disruption, and almost 50,000 weekly delay minutes on its services.

Passenger transport executive TfN has welcomed the report.

Barry White, TfN chief executive, said: “The interim findings of this Glaister Review clearly highlight that there is a real need for radical change in the way the rail industry operates.

"Fundamentally, as our members have said from the outset, changes are needed so we can be sure passenger’s interests are put front and centre of every decision made.

“The report’s summary highlights the Rail Delivery Group’s statement that ‘the timetable is our promise to passengers’. This summer, in the north of England, and elsewhere, that promise was broken.

"That is unacceptable. It was passengers who suffered and that must not be allowed to happen again.”

Transport for the North’s members recently called on Government to urgently appoint an independent person to oversee the co-ordination of the rail industry. The appointment of Richard George, who managed the transport for the London Olympics, was announced earlier this month.

Members also pressed for a comprehensive compensation package for travellers and areas that have faced the worst of the disruption. Schemes to provide this are currently under roll-out.

Mr White said: “That appointment, and the compensation packages, are first steps on a long journey of rail reform.

"The findings of this report when it is concluded, informed by the findings of our own review now underway through the Rail North Partnership, will help further ensure that passenger’s voices are heard.

"Throughout this Summer we have worked tirelessly to ensure the train operating companies stabilise services in the north and with some success – and we will continue to do so.

"What passengers need above all is a reliable train service, one they can depend on – and that’s where our immediate focus has been.”