Institution's response to Network Rail's announcement regarding rail timetables

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Engineering Policy, Institution of Mechanical Engineers said in response to Network Rail’s announcement that traditional rail timetables will be abandoned in favour of London Underground-style count-down timers:

“In January this year the Institution recommended that Government should work with Network Rail to deliver the complete electrification of the main rail lines between Britain's principal cities and ports and in major urban rail networks. It is positive step forward to hear about progress in the digital and engineering interface creating a better transport environment for customers.

“Engineers across our railway network are working on new innovations for automation in trains allowing them to operate more efficiently and closer together. The combination of electrification and automation on our railways will support the delivery of more trains through our cities increasing capacity.

“It important that any future transport system is suitable for all its users and that changes to the way that timetables are made available to passengers does not decrease accessibility or mobility for the less abled."

Notes to Editors

• For interview requests and queries contact the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Press Office on 020 7973 1261 or email media@imeche.org.
• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was established in 1847 and has some of the world’s greatest engineers in its history books. It is one of the fastest growing professional engineering institutions. Headquartered in London, we have operations around the world and over 120,000 members in more than 140 countries working at the heart of the most important and dynamic industries such as the automotive, rail, aerospace, medical, power and construction industries.