Vivarail train, former London Underground stock, on the Forth Bridge in Scotland

Great British Railways must be ambitious, says association

Vivarail train, former London Underground stock, having crossed the Forth Bridge in Scotland Network Rail

Great British Railways (GBR), the new overarching management body in the UK, must be ambitious for the future of rail. That is the message from the Railway Industry Association (RIA), making an early response to the UK government’s legislation consultation. GBR is set to take over the running of much of the UK railway network, planning and operations at some time next year.

RIA, the voice of the rail supply community, has urged the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) to be ambitious about the future of the railways, following the launch of a consultation on upcoming legislation. Last Thursday (9 June), the Government confirmed it will consult on the primary legislation needed for Great British Railways to be established.

Strong long-term freight growth

The GBRTT has also announced its summary of responses to its consultation on the 30-year Whole Industry Strategic Plan (WISP). The report summarises the evidence of the 307 organisations and individuals that responded to its call for evidence. Decarbonisation, accessibility, and integration with other transport modes are all key themes.

Green light for growth. GBR predicts freight will be a winner under its regime

Respondents were also supportive of increased modal shift from road to rail for freight transportation. Benefits cited included environment, business productivity, railway cost savings and revenue generation. Some respondents highlighted that industry forecasts indicate strong long-term growth in demand for rail freight services.

The best of the private sector

“These announcements are a welcome step forward in the journey to establish Great British Railways and its passage through Parliament”, said Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA). “Thousands of rail businesses play a vital role in the construction and operation of the UK’s railways, and so it is good to see the Government recognise the need to harness the best of the private sector.

UK government transport secretary Grant Shapps lets off steam about the new Great British Railways regime. Image: UK Department for Transport

“We also support the proposal for the licence from Government to require GBR to encourage private sector involvement and take account of the benefits of rail investment for the economy and the supply chain.” So far, GBR has been working to find a headquarters – by launching a national competition which, although derided for a lacklustre video with the transport secretary, has attracted over forty entrants from communities around the UK.

The backbone of a reliable transport system

While the consultation and transition process takes place, the industry says it is vital that the Government avoids a hiatus in current work and decision-making on rail projects. The RIA echoed calls from across the industry, and urged the government to get on with delivering these reforms to provide businesses with as much certainty as possible.

“This consultation comes at an important time”, said Caplan. “Given the clear demand for rail, it is essential that GBRTT is ambitious about rail’s future and maximises the benefits of investment, to ensure rail is the backbone of a reliable and clean transport system.“We will continue to work with our members to review and respond to the consultation by the deadline of 4 August.”

Author: Simon Walton

Simon Walton is UK correspondent for RailTech.com and Railfreight.com

1 comment op “Great British Railways must be ambitious, says association”

bönström bönström|15.06.22|16:11

“Ambitious” is not sufficient!
The other modes, offensively upgrade, for added load capacity, for low costs, etc. (A sustainable rail freight growth, urgently call for high quality JIT service rendered, equally or better, than by road mode!)
Ports, ocean, etc. connected by timely, high capacity railways, now shall turn England to “Singapore” of hemisphere!
Goal of EU membership shall remain and be reinforced! Off shore feeding now shall offload on shore dito at Continent – a win win!

Add your comment

characters remaining.

Log in through one of the following social media partners to comment.

Great British Railways must be ambitious, says association | RailTech.com
Vivarail train, former London Underground stock, on the Forth Bridge in Scotland

Great British Railways must be ambitious, says association

Vivarail train, former London Underground stock, having crossed the Forth Bridge in Scotland Network Rail

Great British Railways (GBR), the new overarching management body in the UK, must be ambitious for the future of rail. That is the message from the Railway Industry Association (RIA), making an early response to the UK government’s legislation consultation. GBR is set to take over the running of much of the UK railway network, planning and operations at some time next year.

RIA, the voice of the rail supply community, has urged the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) to be ambitious about the future of the railways, following the launch of a consultation on upcoming legislation. Last Thursday (9 June), the Government confirmed it will consult on the primary legislation needed for Great British Railways to be established.

Strong long-term freight growth

The GBRTT has also announced its summary of responses to its consultation on the 30-year Whole Industry Strategic Plan (WISP). The report summarises the evidence of the 307 organisations and individuals that responded to its call for evidence. Decarbonisation, accessibility, and integration with other transport modes are all key themes.

Green light for growth. GBR predicts freight will be a winner under its regime

Respondents were also supportive of increased modal shift from road to rail for freight transportation. Benefits cited included environment, business productivity, railway cost savings and revenue generation. Some respondents highlighted that industry forecasts indicate strong long-term growth in demand for rail freight services.

The best of the private sector

“These announcements are a welcome step forward in the journey to establish Great British Railways and its passage through Parliament”, said Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA). “Thousands of rail businesses play a vital role in the construction and operation of the UK’s railways, and so it is good to see the Government recognise the need to harness the best of the private sector.

UK government transport secretary Grant Shapps lets off steam about the new Great British Railways regime. Image: UK Department for Transport

“We also support the proposal for the licence from Government to require GBR to encourage private sector involvement and take account of the benefits of rail investment for the economy and the supply chain.” So far, GBR has been working to find a headquarters – by launching a national competition which, although derided for a lacklustre video with the transport secretary, has attracted over forty entrants from communities around the UK.

The backbone of a reliable transport system

While the consultation and transition process takes place, the industry says it is vital that the Government avoids a hiatus in current work and decision-making on rail projects. The RIA echoed calls from across the industry, and urged the government to get on with delivering these reforms to provide businesses with as much certainty as possible.

“This consultation comes at an important time”, said Caplan. “Given the clear demand for rail, it is essential that GBRTT is ambitious about rail’s future and maximises the benefits of investment, to ensure rail is the backbone of a reliable and clean transport system.“We will continue to work with our members to review and respond to the consultation by the deadline of 4 August.”

Author: Simon Walton

Simon Walton is UK correspondent for RailTech.com and Railfreight.com

1 comment op “Great British Railways must be ambitious, says association”

bönström bönström|15.06.22|16:11

“Ambitious” is not sufficient!
The other modes, offensively upgrade, for added load capacity, for low costs, etc. (A sustainable rail freight growth, urgently call for high quality JIT service rendered, equally or better, than by road mode!)
Ports, ocean, etc. connected by timely, high capacity railways, now shall turn England to “Singapore” of hemisphere!
Goal of EU membership shall remain and be reinforced! Off shore feeding now shall offload on shore dito at Continent – a win win!

Add your comment

characters remaining.

Log in through one of the following social media partners to comment.