Call for Midlands Connect to gain extra powers
The Railway Industry Association has called for the Midlands Connect consortium to be granted Sub-National Transport Body status.
If approved, it will follow on from Transport for the North being awarded the title earlier this year. It will allow Midlands Connect, which comprises local authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Network Rail, Highways England, central government and the business community, to have a greater say in transport options within the region while also giving local residents a greater say in decision-making processes.
The call to action comes as the Railway Industry Association released its response to a consultation on the matter. It said if powers are granted, MC “will empower Midlands Connect to formalise its relationship with Network Rail so it can inform their investment programmes”, enabling the economy to grow quickly across the region.
RIA added that with HS2 on the horizon, granting MC greater powers would “ensure optional outputs are delivered when HS2 opens in Birmingham in 2026”.
The RIA response also called for MC to act as a statutory consultee on future franchises that operate within its geographical remit to provide advice to the Department for Transport, adding the body should pursue changes to the railway network to make it easier for customers to access and use.
RIA also wants MC to develop relationships with other bodies, including Transport for the North.
“There will be valuable opportunities to share experience and learning,” it said in the consultation.
“Similarly, Midlands Connect should support the activities of Transport for West Midlands and Transport for East Midlands, and be mindful of the Strategic Economic Plans of the Local Enterprise Partnerships that operate within or across part of its geography.”
RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan added: “Rail is a vital component of the Midlands economy. In the region covered by Midlands Connect, rail generates over £4.6 billion in economic growth and provides over 87,000 jobs. So it is important that - should Midlands Connect be given STB status - it ensures there is continued investment in rail across the region.”