Rail Alliance teams with rail research centre

Rail Alliance and Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

The move is designed to strengthen the links between the organisations, to ensure research and teaching draws on real-world situations in addition to growing relationships with the supply chain and with small and medium-sized enterprises.

Rail Alliance’s membership includes civils and infrastructure companies, as well as those which deal with rolling stock, digital products and service suppliers. BCRRE aims to encourage research and development based on industry needs.

Rail Alliance Chairman Colin Flack said: “BCRRE is the obvious and most natural partner to go forward with to connect industry, innovation and academia in a meaningful and effective way.”

BCRRE Director Alex Burrows said: “Talks are under way with a view of working with the Rail Alliance to support some of the membership activities - including guiding and supporting structures for members, building a sound network connecting members with new technologies, and delivering advice necessary to grow effectively and develop member organisations successfully, encouraging excellence and profitability.

“BCRRE will benefit from Rail Alliance’s expertise and years of experience.”