Well it's the only time of the year that a continuous 48 Hr possession can be obtained in many places. On my line we've waited at least 5 years for the "Temporary" speed restrictions at Carlton Road Junction to be lifted. The only way this can be done is to pull out all the ballast and complex trackwork and replace it. At 20:00 on Chrismas eve as I was finishing they were just gearing up to start lifting the track.
You can't have it both ways - If we're going to improve the infrastructure we have to shut it it down from time to time. I do wonder about the lack of co-ordination though. There doesn't seem to be any attempt to increase trains on adjacent services when a particular line is closed. Also the tube network in London is often closed at the same time as the main lines.
But if we're going to have a transport supremo PLEASE don't put the govrnment in charge....give it to someone who works for a living
