Analysis for Network Rail suggests that the economic value of railway stations is underestimated, and that investment into infrastructure stimulates growth and attracts business more than is usually acknowledged.

Whilst this is undoubtedly true, with the amount of investment that goes into station redevelopment, and the high fares passengers contribute towards rail infrastructure improvements, it requires a definite return in economic value.

At the same time, the ORR is publishing Network Rail’s failure to maintain the required level of train performance.

This news demonstrates that while parts of the company is delivering over and beyond in terms of value, issues like punctuality and response to disruption still need improvement, and quickly.