A controller at London North Eastern Railway’s (LNER) Rail Operating Centre (ROC) at York has retired after working in the rail industry for nearly 50 years.

Clive Casling retired on Thursday, 11th June, exactly forty-seven years to the day after starting his career as a railwayman way back in 1979.

To celebrate his many years of service on the railways, LNER Colleagues joined members of Clive’s family to give him a surprise send-off.

The York ROC is the largest Rail Operating Centre in the UK, and has been Clive’s workplace for the past twenty years.

During that time, Clive has worked with specialist colleagues to keep LNER trains running smoothly along the East Coast Main Line, which is one of the UK’s busiest railway lines.

He also worked closely with colleagues from train operators Northern and TransPennine Express, as well as Network Rail, to help ensure the safety of the millions of passengers every year travelling between London King’s Cross and the Scottish Borders.

During Clive’s time on the railway, the industry has undergone monumental changes, with Clive often playing an important part in bringing them about.

One such change was last December, when he was instrumental in implementing a new timetable for LNER that introduced nearly 10,000 extra services each year, and each week provided over more 60,000 extra seats across the route.

Clive’s role in this was to use his many years of experience to produce detailed contingency plans, which enabled teams to be ready for any problems and kept passengers moving.

In July 2025, Mick Ingledew, 65, retired as an LNER train driver after 46 years on the railway, and in 2024, the retirement of Margaret Jones, an Avanti West Coast employee, brought to an end her family’s connection with the railway, which stretched back over 90 years.

“I know the impact that we can have on thousands of people every day. It’s a proud moment to leave the industry, having helped deliver this new timetable, as part of such a brilliant team.”

Clive Casling

“Clive Casling is someone who has always set the standard – in how he approaches the job, how he supports colleagues, and in the way he relentlessly focuses on doing the right thing for our customers.” It’s difficult to sum up a forty-seven-year career, but it’s fair to say Clive leaves a lasting legacy in Control and across the wider business. On behalf of all of us, thank you Clive – and all the very best for your retirement.”

Daniel Guilfoyle, Head of Service Delivery at LNER