Network Rail has officially opened the latest addition to the rail operating centre (ROC) network.
When fully operational, Rugby ROC will be home to more than 400 staff working in open plan collaboration in a number of key disciplines involved in the smooth day-to-day running of the railway and managing disruption issues.
It will operate 24 hours a day to reduce delays, boost performance and, crucially, offer passengers better information and a more reliable service.
Rugby is one of 12 ROCs which will eventually control the entire British rail network and covers the southern part of the London North West Route from just south of Crewe down to Euston.
The Stafford area, being upgraded as part of the railway upgrade plan, was the first section of railway to be signalled from the Rugby ROC. The next section will be in the Norton Bridge area, near Stafford, from Easter 2016.
Leader of Rugby Borough Council, councillor Michael Stokes, joined Network Rail route managing director Martin Frobisher at the opening.