A brief introduction

Initially, the sole trader company of PRA Rail Operations was set up in February 2010, as a result of the now Managing Director having been responsible for compiling the complete Very High Frequency (VHF) timetable introduced in December 2008 on the West Coast Main Line (WCML). This covered all passenger and freight services over the entire route. The major part of such a timetable is still in evidence today, a testament to the quality and resilience of that piece of work that is still is in evidence.

In May 2013, PRA Operations Planning Ltd was formed from the original sole trader company to reflect growth in business and personnel. The initial sole trader company was progressively closed down and all new business was then handled by PRA Operations Planning Limited. This company is VAT registered and carries the Professional, Public and Employers indemnity insurances with Zurich and Hiscox, both highly reputable firms. In addition, the company is fully accredited by RISQS and features on the Network Rail list of approved contractors. 

As of January 2021, PRA Operations Planning Ltd has 10 employees including the founder member and brings together a host of experience and railway knowledge from a number of different disciplines within the railway industry. 

Collectively, both companies have been awarded almost 200 projects of varying sizes and PRA prides itself on having delivered all projects to date, both on time and budget.

Since it’s inception, PRA Operations Planning Ltd has carried out almost 200 projects of varying sizes for a large variety clients.

 Clients have included:

• Department for Transport (DfT)

• Welsh Government / Transport for Wales (TfW)

• Network Rail

• Virgin Rail Group

• Go Ahead Rail

• First Group

• South West Railway

• Intermodality

• Arriva Trains Northern / Northern Trains Ltd

• Arriva Trains Wales / Transport for Wales Rail Services

• Keolis / Amey

Compilation of new major timetables

Capacity Studies

Introduction of new or altered railway services for both passenger and freight

General Railway Operations

Support to Train Operating companies of highly experienced staff for Long or Short Term Planning assistance (LTP & STP)

PRA Operations Planning Ltd holds a current license for TrainPlan, train planning software system.

The company specialises in a very thorough knowledge of the UK’s mainland railway geography and certain European countries.