Rail leaders frustrated as DfT tightens grip and cuts loom
UK: Rail Business UK has taken soundings from across the train operating companies, Network Rail and from sources close to the Department for Transport, finding a bleak outlook. Industry leaders fear having to implement stark cuts to rail provision, even if the industrial relations issues plaguing the sector can be resolved.
Rail Partners calls for changes to prevent cuts leading to a ‘spiral of decline’
UK: The Rail Partners association of train operator owning groups has called for changes which it says are needed to prevent lower post-pandemic revenues, rising industry costs and delays to reform triggering a ‘spiral of decline’ with a ‘protracted hiatus, stunted recovery from the pandemic and most likely a permanently ...
City regions want formal role in rail reform
UK: City regions have been sidelined in the government’s plans for rail reform, according to the Urban Transport Group of transport authorities, which has called for them to be given a statutory role in managing and developing the rail network.
Rail Partners wants a ‘reinvigorated public-private partnership for the railway’
UK: Rail Partners has been officially launched, after being spun out of the Rail Delivery Group to act as a trade body to provide advocacy and policy development services for passenger train operator owning groups and freight operators.
Government consults on rail reform legislative changes
UK: The government has begun consultation on the legislative changes required to implement the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail. This includes the creation of Great British Railways, a new governance framework, and reform of wider industry structures and processes.
Williams sees ‘vast opportunities’ for the private sector under Great British Railways
UK: There will be ‘vast opportunities’ for the private sector to shape the rail sector as the development of Great British Railways gathers pace, Keith Williams, author of the Williams-Shapps Review into rail reform, told the Railway Industry Association’s Innovation Conference.