Network Rail’s Southern region has appointed Lucy McAuliffe as its permanent Sussex route director to lead the operation of one of the busiest rail networks in the country.
Lucy was appointed acting route director last December following two years as Southern region’s stations and security director, and since then has been overseeing efforts to improve reliability on the Sussex route.
Prior to this, Lucy has developed her leadership experience across the transport industry including in bus, coach, rail, and aviation – from managing stations to working for Network Rail High Speed before moving to lead signalling, control, and incident response operations.
Lucy also worked at Gatwick Airport as head of passenger security before returning to Network Rail’s Southern region in 2021 as stations and security director.
Network Rail’s Sussex route is among the busiest and most congested in the country, carrying 3,200 trains every weekday. The route includes the Brighton Main Line and provides a direct rail link to Gatwick Airport, the country’s second busiest international airport.
Lucy said: “I’m delighted to have been permanently appointed Sussex route director to oversee this critical and brilliant part of the railway network. The route plays a key part in connecting passengers from London to Brighton and across the south-east of England as well as supporting commuters, leisure travellers and critical freight services.
“I’m looking forward to continuing working closely with our numerous train company partners who operate across the Sussex route as well with a brilliant team of dedicated and excellent colleagues.”
Image credit: Network Rail
