Refresh rail for the future, says RIA

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has published its five main asks of government, in a manifesto for the next parliament, which seeks a fresh start for UK rail.

RIA is calling on the next government to boost rail capacity to meet future demand and to take a long-term and strategic approach to rail investment which leverages the best of both the private and public sectors.

The association says railways are an important catalyst and enabler of economic growth and productivity, contributing £43bn to the economy and supporting 710,000 jobs.

The network is a vital national system which connects communities to employment, education, services, and leisure.

RIA’s five asks of government are

• Publish a long-term rail strategy
• Deliver on railway industry reform
• Accelerate new train orders and low carbon network upgrades
• Support a sustainable supply chain
• Leverage private investment

RIA chief executive Darren Caplan said: “Whoever forms the next government needs to seize the opportunity to refresh rail for the future.

“With passenger growth approaching 100% of pre-Covid levels, and future forecasts showing passenger numbers potentially doubling to 2050, an upward and prosperous future for the railway growth is achievable with the right political ambition and commitment.

“In the short-term, we urge incoming rail ministers to fast track rail reform as soon as possible – to give structure and certainty to the railway industry – and to bring forward orders of low-carbon rolling stock.

“The next government should also focus on top-line growth, not just bottom-line cost efficiency, if it wants to build the foundations for long-term sustainability and investment.

“The UK led the world in first developing the railways, almost 200 years ago. Politicians of all parties now need to help the UK lead again, investing today to deliver both the world-class rail network and the rolling stock we need for tomorrow.”