Category: Rail

South Western Railway Renews Partnership with OCS

Posted on by stephanieamata

We are thrilled to announce the continuation of our successful partnership with South Western Railway (SWR). Following a contract extension, we remain dedicated to delivering exceptional services that enhance the travel experience for SWR’s passengers.

Key Drivers for Renewal 

The contract renewal with SWR is grounded in three fundamental drivers: 

Transparency and Delivery: We have consistently demonstrated transparency in our operations, ensuring that SWR receives accurate and timely information. Despite general resourcing challenges, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to delivering exceptional services. 

Collaboration: We recognise the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals. By working closely with SWR, we have fostered a strong partnership that benefits both parties. 

Innovation: OCS thrives on innovation. We continuously seek new ways to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability. Its innovative solutions have positively impacted SWR’s operations. 

As we renew our partnership with OCS, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service to our passengers. OCS’s dedication to transparency, collaboration, and innovation aligns perfectly with our vision for an improved travel experience.

Charlie Hatcher

Head of Train Presentation, South Western Railway

Addressing Challenges 

Since the pandemic, many industries have faced the challenge of maintaining a sustained workforce.  We have strategically addressed this, resulting in transformative outcomes.  Over the past three years, we have diligently built a stable and reliable workforce for SWR. Our consistent efforts in recruitment and training have contributed to a motivated team that ensures smooth operations. 

Our exceptional cleaning  has also aided  in maintaining SWR’s fleet standards. The trains offer a welcoming environment and passengers can travel comfortably, knowing that cleanliness is a top priority. 

Digital Transformation 

As a testament to our commitment, we have revolutionised data/performance tracking on-site. We transitioned from manual paper-based processes to a sophisticated APP that captures real-time information visualised on PowerBi. This digital transformation has streamlined operations and improved efficiency.  

We also digitised 99% of the contract’s inspection, checklists and training records. This proactive approach ensures compliance and quality control. 

 Sustainability Initiatives 

We remain committed to environmental stewardship. To reduce carbon footprint, we introduced a chemical-free cleaning solution produced on-site. By minimising product transportation costs and promoting eco-friendly practices, we contribute to a greener future. 

I’m very proud that OCS’s working relationship with SWR is to continue. Our investment in innovative equipment and technological solutions, together with our commitments to ESG, are supporting SWR with their strategic objectives. Our team, which delivers exceptional services every day in challenging circumstances, is a source of huge pride.

Richard Marshall

Sector Managing Director Transport, OCS UK & Ireland

OCS Rail Team Achieves RISQS Audit Success 

Posted on by stephanieamata

We are thrilled to announce that we have successfully completed the Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) audit for Core Operational Railway Services and Sentinel. This comprehensive full-day examination rigorously assessed our rail safety management system, including our processes, policies, procedures, and licenses. The goal was to demonstrate that we have a cohesive plan in place to safeguard our people working on the railway – at depots, stations, and onboard trains 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

While this audit is not mandatory for providing services to the rail industry, we chose to go the extra mile and achieve this award. It serves as a testament to our commitment to safety and security. 

Our safety management system has been proven safe for our colleagues and is entirely fit for purpose. Importantly, the same stringent audits apply to train operating companies and other suppliers, ensuring that we hold ourselves to the same high standards as rail-industry-specific organisations. We are fully compliant, equipped with a streamlined procurement process, and have robust risk mitigation procedures. These standards extend to all our customers in the railway industry, emphasising our dedication to the safety and well-being of both our colleagues and our customers’ premises. 

The success of this audit is a result of company-wide support for prioritising health and safety. We invested resources and time to ensure a successful outcome. Furthermore, our achievement means that we can now sponsor colleagues for Sentinel, operating under Network Rail guidance and guidelines. 

Well done to our teams who consistently go the extra mile to provide the best service to our customers! Find out more about our rail industry offerings here.

This milestone marks a pivotal moment for our presence in the rail industry, unlocking a realm of possibilities for us to innovate and further enrich our customer experience. As we embrace this advancement, we anticipate taking on greater responsibilities, all the while prioritising the safety and well-being of our colleagues.

William Downey

Head of Rail Projects

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) look forward to commencing the three-year contract with OCS

Posted on by daireleonard

We are pleased to announce that OCS Ireland has been awarded a new three-year contract with Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), the national railway operator of the Republic of Ireland.

A subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann, Irish Rail is a vital component of the nation’s transportation infrastructure, responsible for providing passenger rail services across its extensive Commuter, Intercity, and Dart networks. It also manages Rosslare Europort running passenger and freight sailings between Ireland and the continent and oversees all internal freight railway operations in the Republic of Ireland.

In partnership with Translink, Irish Rail also operates the Enterprise service connecting Dublin and Belfast. Irish Rail achieved a commendable milestone in 2019 by carrying 50 million passengers, its highest-ever total. The company is set to recover this total post-COVID by 2024 and has plans to increase it further.

Under the new Managed Cleaning Services contract, OCS will assume the responsibility for maintaining a superior level of cleanliness within Irish Rail’s network of train stations, depots, and trains. With a commitment to utilising cutting-edge cleaning equipment and innovative techniques, we aim to ensure that the passenger experience aligns with the high standards upheld by Irish Rail.

We are dedicated to enabling our customers to be their best. The new contract strengthens our existing partnership with Irish Rail, complementing the Security Services contract we have delivered for them since 2014. Our ability to offer an integrated suite of services underscores the confidence that Irish Rail places in OCS to manage critical operational aspects, enabling them to focus on their core competencies.

We take immense pride in our role in this important partnership and will remain committed to supporting Irish Rail in achieving its operational goals.

Iarnród Éireann is an invaluable national asset and a cornerstone of our interconnected transport framework. We eagerly look forward to commencing our Managed Cleaning Services contract and contributing to their strategic goal of accommodating 80 million passengers by 2030.

Áine Mulcahy

Managing Director, OCS Ireland