Network Rail (High Speed)’s Operations Delivery Manager at St Pancras International, Brian Lynch, gave 16 IRO members a fascinating backstage tour of London’s international station. An introduction started with Brian giving those on the visit an appreciation of the challenges of running not just a 24-hour station, but also one which deals with huge volumes of commuter, high-speed commuter, airport, long-distance, and international passengers from 4 different train operators.

We were shown around the station operations of: Network Rail, East Midlands Trains, Eurostar, First Capital Connect, Southeastern High Speed and how they all need to interact, whilst keeping their own customers at the forefront of what they do. The logistical challenge in providing all this, keeping their 4 customers happy (and all the retailers), as well as the added complication that most of the station is owned by a pension fund was quite apparent and one I’m sure none of us envy – especially given further restrictions imposed by English Heritage!

All this seamlessly goes on beneath the imposingly beautiful station canopy and in the shadow of the impressive St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. After seeing what goes on behind the scenes and the immense pressures involved, it is clear to see what a fantastic job Brian’s team and everyone involved in running a train service at St Pancras International do.