The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has today called on the Government to turn words into action, following the Government’s response last week to the Transport Select Committee report on rail investment.
Commenting on the Government’s response, RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan said: “Whilst many in the rail supply sector will question the Government’s assertion that rail investment is not ‘boom and bust’ – for example, many feel there is clear evidence of stop-start investment on renewals, enhancements, electrification, and rolling stock – there is nevertheless much in this response that RIA welcomes.
“RIA has long called for greater visibility of the rail work pipeline, and the Government now agrees this must improve to give businesses confidence to plan and invest. We have consistently pressed for long-term visibility and stronger engagement with industry, and the Government now recognises both.
“We have made the case for unlocking greater private investment in rail — and it is encouraging that the Government acknowledges the role private funding and finance can play.
“The Transport Select Committee was clear that inconsistent funding, poor pipeline visibility and stop-start delivery risks undermining the supply chain. RIA agrees, and believes, that delivering on these recommendations will now be key to a resilient UK supply chain as rail restructures and Great British Railways gets established.
“Suppliers across the UK continue to experience fluctuating workloads, gaps in visibility, and very low confidence in the short-term rail market. That must now change. The next step is delivery – the rail supply sector will be looking for a clear long-term rail plan for the railway, supported by integrated rolling stock and infrastructure plans, alongside a single, credible and funded pipeline of work.
“If we get this right, the prize is significant, supporting jobs, unlocking private investment, and delivering better value for passengers and taxpayers.”
Image credit: RIA