Carne: vision for NR requires more from private sector
NETWORK Rail Chief Executive Mark Carne has called for business to play a much bigger role in helping fund rail projects and improvements.
Speaking at an event in London on September 6, Carne said that with rail driving regeneration, the if ld continue to rely on public funding.
“It is clear that we need to increasingly source funding from those people, authorities and businesses that directly benefit from better railways,” he said.
Carne acknowledged how running more trains to meet demand has led to congestion, especially at peak times, and this subsequently has had an impact on the reliability and punctuality of services.
“Railways are not just important because more and more people are choosing to use them, they are also a major driver of economic growth,” he said.
“We know that rail can unlock housing supply to bring communities that have traditionally been cut off within reach of major
urban conurbations.
“All over the country, we have seen the impact of rail improvements, new stations, new lines. When railways are introduced or upgraded, investment in housing inevitably follows as businesses choose to move or set up in or near those areas.
“We know that rail investment, such as transforming stations, can drive regeneration. But we cannot continue to rely on public funding to do so.” Carne spoke of the need to deliver a better railway, saying: “Network Rail is transforming to put the customer at the heart of everything we do.
“We may be a public sector organisation, but my vision is that we behave like a private sector business - relentlessly customer focused, cost-competitive, commercial and with a highperformance culture and a plan to deliver a railway fit for the future. Transformation is not a choice, it is a necessity.”
Carne also spoke of the Digital Railway as the way to meet the congestion on the railway: “We need to accelerate the transition to digitally-run railways so we can unlock the benefits before the network is gridlocked.
“This will be the biggest transformation in the history of Britain’s railways. And I consider it a national imperative.”
@Clinnick1