On Thu, 6 Aug 2020 13:07:26 +0100, Robin9
wrote:


The thread title asks if there are lessons for the rail industry.

A few years ago the answer would have been an emphatic yes
because Railtrack and Network Rail both had a firm policy of
sub-contracting out all their maintenance and renewal work.
Now headed by Andrew Haines, an ex-professional railwayman,
Network Rail at last recognises the need to bring together
"track and trains" and it's possible that this might eventually
lead to a reduction in sub-contracting.

I'm enormously encouraged by Mr. Haines arguing on several
occasions that the main requirement on the railway is for people
who who really know the job and for a culture that respects
competence and experience.

That is true but since Crossrail is a product of the subcontracting
ear (if I can call it that) you might wonder how much of the cost
overrun and delay is caused by subcontracting.