During the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to allow vital freight and passenger services to continue, Network Rail staff in York are helping to keep the line operating.

Andrew Squires from Stockton works as a control manager at the Network Rail’s ROC in York (Rail Operating Centre).

Andrew is in charge of 11 incident and train running controllers who respond to disruption incidents, such as bridge strikes and trespass incidents.

Andrew and the team, work together to make sure that the train services to continue to run safely and reliably for passengers who need to travel to and from work and for the freight to transport goods.

Andrew’s role has had to adapt to Government guidance as Network Rail’s top priority is safety. They have put in an on-call rota so that less staff are in the ROC and then there is staff to call if they are needed. Andrew’s main contact with his team is now through emails and phone calls and he is working hard to keep them updated and supported through this difficult time.

Passengers should remember to only travel when needed to during the Covid-19 Pandemic, so it will be safe for the Critical workers can still get to work when they need to but please keep checking before travelling via National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator.

Andrew, who has worked at Network Rail for 36 years, said: “My team and I have a really important role to play in keeping services moving so that people who do need to travel can get to where they need to be on time. I am incredibly proud of how my team have adapted to the new and unusual ways of working. I know that it has been a quick and drastic change, so I have been doing my best to support them and I will continue to do so. I have been sending my team regular updates and support through emails, texts and phone calls, and our next team brief will be held via video call which should be a light-hearted way for us to get together in a safe environment to discuss plans going forward.”

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