VERSTER FOR EWR, HYNES FOR SCOTRAIL
PHIL VERSTER is to leave his post as managing director of the ScotRail Alliance and will head up the organisation which will deliver East West Rail. He will be succeeded north of the border by current Northern managing director Alex Hynes.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced the creation of EWR in December 2016 as part of his plans for vertical integration. The organisation, which will be separate to Network Rail, will design, deliver and operate services between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. Delivery of the western section, linking the first three of these locations, is expected during Control Period 6 (2019-24).
Mr Verster will take up his new post in the spring, reporting to EWR chair Rob Brighouse. He joined the ScotRail Alliance, which unites operator Abellio and NR’s Scotland Route, shortly after Abellio began the current ScotRail franchise in April 2015. Prior to that he was NR’s Route director for London North Eastern and East Midlands, and has also held roles at Irish Rail and Southeastern.