Proposals for setting up a rail industry Information Network were published today by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).
This follows the Government’s White Paper The Future of Rail (July 2004) which recommended that consistent data should be developed for use by Government and the rail industry, to allow informed decisions to be taken at all levels across the industry and public sector.
Chris Bolt, ORR Chairman, said:
“Good information – on demand, revenues, costs, benefits, performance and safety – is key to achieving value for money in railways. With good information on train operator costs, potential revenues and other benefits, train operators will be able to develop services in a way which best meets the interests of users and taxpayers. With a good understanding of its assets, Network Rail will be able to plan to maintain, renew and enhance them efficiently and effectively and to identify the cost and performance impacts of changes in services. These and other improvements will increase the level of transparency provided to Government and funders, and reinforce the accountability of the companies that deliver railway services.”
The consultation document published today sets out how the new Information Network needs to be more than simply a data warehouse. It must ensure the right information is available which is fit for purpose in terms of data quality, and which is linked together with appropriate analytical tools. If the required information is not available, or is of insufficient quality, it will need to be developed. At the same time, the Information Network must avoid placing unnecessary regulatory burdens on the industry and avoid duplication with other industry parties.
ORR proposes to establish a voluntary Data Code, which will set out the respective rights and responsibilities of industry parties with regard to data collection, provision and its use. The Code would include arrangements for data quality assurance, access and charging, while ensuring that the burden of data collection is controlled and that opportunities for streamlining existing data flows are identified and implemented. While ORR is firmly of the opinion that the industry should collect the necessary data, it may be appropriate for ORR to take responsibility for commissioning data collection where there is no clear organisation appropriately placed or incentivised to do so.
ORR is seeking the industry’s views on its proposals.
Notes for editors:
Better information, better decisions: ORR's proposed strategy for developing a rail industry information network is available only from the ORR website
Press enquiries
ORR Press Office – 020 7282 2007/2141
out of office hours – pager 07659 127 303
