We analysed timetable modelling to understand how trains actually perform on the network, including where delays build up and how disruption spreads. This insight is being used to create more reliable future timetables.

A new Sectional Running Time tool helps TOCs understand where trains are not meeting their expected run times, find out why and adjust future timetables.

These have been developed to make incremental improvements across the network- see here for more on Tctical Operational Plans

Running brake tests (RBTs) are a process that aims to inform drivers about the conditions of the train’s brakes. Updating brake‑testing policies on modern trains has shown that small reductions in departure time can be achieved on each service, helping to improve punctuality without affecting safety.

Following a major timetable upgrade on the East Coast Main Line, improvements have reduced how long trains stop at stations, known as dwell times. This included extra frontline staff, improved platform management, clearer information for passengers & staff and investment in equipment such as better boarding aids and customer information systems. An industry‑wide dashboard tracks performance and supports ongoing improvements.

Ten ‘Brilliant Basics’ of Tactical Operations have been defined focused around: Start on Time, Stay on Time and Turnaround on Time. These hygiene factors in driving good levels of operating performance are being assessed by RDG pule-check assessments. These understand whether the basics of performance management are done well and identify good practice for sharing.

A cross-industry Tactical Operating Plan Knowledge Base hosts good practice, news and information to support operators in implementing tactical interventions to reduce sub threshold delays.

A set of consistent metrics and Key KPIs have been developed to measure and monitor the delivery of tactical operations. Red Amber Green (RAG) reporting to accompany these metrics illustrate where successes have been achieved and areas of focus for improvement.

Our Good Practice Video series, produced in support of NPB and Performance Restoration Framework PRF showcases initiatives across industry designed to reduce sub-threshold delays. The good practice embeds industry-wide tactical operations initiatives designed to help operators Start On Time, Stay On Time and Turnaround on Time.

Train Operating Companies (TOCs) are developing and delivering 7-point resourcing plans to ensure they have the right people in place to meet demand, every day of the week. These plans focus on building a sustainable workforce, reducing reliance on overtime and rest day working, and optimising how traincrew are deployed to support a consistent seven-day railway. This work is being led by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Enhanced reporting at depot level is now providing a more detailed understanding of traincrew availability, including the impacts of TOC-to-TOC recruitment, enabling more informed decision-making.

Network Rail is strengthening and maturing its approach to operational resourcing. This includes developing tools to support proactive recruitment and training planning and help ensure the right staffing levels across the network. Alongside this, availability and utilisation dashboards will be rolled out for all operational roles These tools will provide better visibility of resource utilisation, supporting informed planning and helping teams respond more effectively to resourcing challenges.

Work is underway to improve the efficiency and resilience of traincrew diagrams, with a focus on more effective deployment of traincrew. This will help ensure resources are used more productively, enabling services to better withstand disruption, reduce knock-on impacts, and support more reliable day-to-day operations.

Occupational health provision is being reviewed across the industry to identify quick wins and improvements. This will help keep employees healthy and in the workplace, supporting service delivery and reducing unplanned absence.

The programme continues to identify, spotlight and share good practice from across the railway to support wider adoption. Learning from successful approaches—such as driver efficiency strategies and workforce planning improvements—will help drive consistent, sustainable improvements in performance and reliability. Here are some examples of operator good practice:

• Driver establishment planning- Transport for Wales has implemented a new workforce planning framework that has significantly reduced cancellations linked to traincrew availability. This has supported service continuity, aided recovery from COVID-related impacts, and improved readiness for timetable changes.
• Driver efficiency improvement strategy- East Midlands Railway (EMR) has developed a multi-year strategy to improve driver efficiency, increase availability, and reduce cancellations. Detailed depot-level data identifies priority areas for improvement, supporting targeted action and stronger accountability for performance.
• Standardised crew release process with risk assessment- Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has introduced a crew release tool that provides a consistent and structured approach to managing crew availability. Safety and service impacts are assessed before approval, improving reliability. Earlier visibility of requests has also enhanced planning efficiency and cost control.

RDG in collaboration with CIRO has introduced Operational Leadership training for Traincrew Managers to strengthen capability in managing people, performance and service delivery at depot level. This is supporting more consistent leadership standards, improved decision-making, and helping teams respond more effectively to day-to-day operational challenges.

The Traincrew Forum brings together practitioners from across the industry to share good practice and address common challenges. It provides a regular platform for collaboration, enabling operators to learn from each other and accelerate improvements in areas such as availability and traincrew deployment.

A nationwide approach is being introduced to measure how quickly issues are responded to and fixed. Automated data collection is improving consistency and accuracy, giving the industry better insight to target improvements and reduce disruption.

Improved vegetation management is helping reduce disruption caused by weather and overgrowth. Good practice is being shared across the network, with planned work carefully assessed to ensure it complies with environmental legislation.

A team is investigating how real‑time forward‑facing CCTV could support the British Transport Police in responding more quickly to trespass incidents, helping improve decision‑making and reduce disruption.

The industry is working together to ensure trespassing with intent has appropriate consequences through collaboration with policing and justice partners

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has developed a decision making model, called G-FORCE, to ensure safety on our network and keeps trains running wherever possible. Over 400 colleagues have now been trained on Operational Decision Making (ODM) G-FORCE, helping them to make rational, risk-based decisions.

A change to the rulebook has been agreed from December 2025 which will support colleagues to use a structured decision-making framework in the event an alternative rule or arrangement is required to those set out in the rule book. This should improve decision-making and help keep trains moving.

Throughout the year, NPB has been supporting the rollout and training of EDDY (E – Exact location D – Direction of travel D – Description of person Y – Youth) to all TOCs and Routes. EDDY is a mnemonic aimed at supporting front-line colleagues to quickly pass relevant information about trespassers to control and signallers.