Suppliers set key tests for GBR to ensure success

Providing continuity of work tops a five-point list for the new Great British Railways, set out by the Railway Industry Association (RIA).

The industry body’s five action points are:

■ No hiatus in current work: RIA points out that more than 70% of Network Rail’s spend is with the private sector, and that “there cannot be a pause in this work”.

■ Transparency: Be clear and transparent with rail suppliers, to allow them to deliver.

■ Partnership: Be an open and accessible client, and partner with the private sector for the best results.

■ Productivity: Ensure the rail industry is able to thrive - financial sustainability will ensure rail delivers for UK plc.

■ Ambition: Leave a positive legacy, including in safety, decarbonisation, exports and the economy.

“The UK railway and the economy cannot afford to see work stop while GBR is set up,” states RIA’s five-point plan.

It adds: “The industry has targets to decarbonise passenger services on the network by 2050 (2045 in Scotland), requiring further electrification and battery and hydrogen fleet orders, and to replace at least 60% of current UK signalling equipment with new digital signalling over the next 15 years.

“Delays to any of this work will detrimentally impact both passenger and freight rail services and limit the rail supply sector’s ability to support the economic recovery post-Coronavirus.

Any hiatus in work would halt investment and make it more difficult for the industry to retain and hire workers.”

RIA contributes £43 billion in economic growth and £14bn in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 710,000 people.

Chief Executive Darren Caplan said: “The railway industry is currently undergoing a major restructure which could change the way we work both now and in the future, so it’s important that we get Great British Railways right.

“The Railway Industry Association’s five tests - informed and developed by RIA members sets out what rail suppliers need to make the new structure a success.

“As GBR is set up, with the transition team already wellestablished and legislation due before Parliament soon, RIA and our members will continue to engage with and support the process.”