David Waboso to spearhead digital railway

Network Rail has announced that David Wasabo, capital programme director at London Underground, is set to join the company as managing director and lead Digital Railway.

Wabaso possesses decades of experience in leading major infrastructure projects and is currently responsible for leading the £1.5 billion annual Tube Upgrade Programme to deliver improved journeys. As managing director, Wasabo will lead Network Rail’s Digital Railway directorate, including the Digital Railway Programme, a cross-industry programme designed to boost the capacity of Britain's rail network using digital signally and train control technologies.

Commenting on the appointment, Mark Carne, Network Rail chief executive said: “The single biggest challenge for Britain’s railway is how to provide the capacity we need for the future. Passenger numbers have doubled over the last twenty years and are set to double again over a similar period. Our Railway Upgrade Plan is making a huge difference for passengers, but we need to move further and faster to bring in the kinds of digital technologies that other industries have already shown can provide the capacity gains on existing infrastructure.

“Attracting someone of David's talent highlights the progress we have made and our determination to use technology to unlock capacity on Britain's congested network. I look forward to working with him and I know he will continue Jerry’s excellent work in making sure we have the plans and funding in place to deliver the railway Britain needs for the future.”

Wasabi will step into the role in June, the replacing current managing director Jerry England, who is set to retire.