UK: The Railway Industry Association has set out five ‘tests’ developed with input from its supply members to provide criteria for ensuring that the formation of Great British Railways is a success.
These tests are:
1. No hiatus in current work: more than 70% of Network Rail’s spend is with the private sector, and there cannot be a pause in this work;
2. Transparency: be clear and transparent with rail suppliers, to allow them to deliver;
3. Partnership: be an open and accessible client, and partner with the private sector for the best results;
4. Productivity: ensure the rail industry is able to thrive — financial sustainability will ensure rail delivers for UK plc;
5. Ambition: leave a positive legacy, including in safety, decarbonisation, exports and the economy.
‘It is important that we get Great British Railways right, ensuring that we can all continue to deliver for passengers, freight users and the economy’, said RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan on March 7.
’As GBR is set up — with the Transition Team already well established and legislation due before Parliament soon — RIA and our members will continue to engage with and support the process. We look forward to working with the government, the Transition Team, Network Rail, and all partners to ensure we continue to deliver for the UK, supporting a thriving railway alongside generating future investment, jobs and economic growth for the country.’
