The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced Alex Hynes as the new Director General, Rail Services.
Alex will be instrumental in carrying out the government’s plans to reform the railways to deliver better outcomes for passengers, utilising private sector innovation and expertise under Great British Railways.
DfT has already taken significant steps towards improving rail services, with the publication of a draft Rail Reform Bill, expansion of Pay As You Go and confirmation of rail freight growth targets all helping to ensure better value for money for the taxpayer.
Alex will join DfT in April on a two-year settlement from Network Rail, taking over from Interim Director General Anit Chandarana.
Since 2017 he has overseen Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail, having previously served as Managing Director of Northern.
Upon being announced as the new Director General, Rail Services, Alex said: “Our railways will play a vital role connecting people right across the country.
“I look forward to working closely with DfT colleagues to help industry deliver the services that passengers rightly expect while laying the track for a simpler, more effective rail system.”
“Our railways will play a vital role connecting people right across the country.”
DfT Permanent Secretary, Bernadette Kelly, said: “Bringing a wealth of experience to this role, Alex is uniquely equipped to lead our plan to help deliver better outcomes for passengers in the years ahead, working in close partnership with industry.”
DfT is planning a reorganisation that will bring track and train together under the oversight of Great British Railways. Meanwhile, the Rail Infrastructure and Services Group will bring together most of the Passenger Services directorate and Rail Infrastructure Group.
Northern Powerhouse Rail and the High Speed Rail Group will come together under a new Major Rail Projects Group, while rail strategy , policy and reform will fall under the remit of a new Public Transport and Local Group.
The DfT believes these moves will help to provide better agility and a sharper focus on the challenges facing transport today.
Image credit: Network Rail
