February 2022
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It examined priorities for reforming the rail system in the UK, including the operation of its infrastructure and the delivery of services, in light of wide-ranging changes expected to rail governance and the evolving needs and behaviours of rail users.
This was a timely opportunity to analyse key components of the significant reform put forward in the Williams Rail Review, including the formal end to the rail franchising system and the creation of a new body, Great British Railways (GBR), to govern the rail system. Proposals from the Government for implementing the Review are expected later this year.
Delegates discussed the practicalities and potential impact of implementation, as well as what will be needed to meet the main policy aims successfully, including in terms of:
- the scope of change needed to centralise strategic oversight and keep reform on track
- simplifying the network and ticket purchasing process
- further measures for catering to changing customer needs and preferences
- replacing the franchising model with Passenger Service Contracts
- increasing accountability and reducing overlap and mismanagement across stakeholders
There was also discussion on:
- infrastructure modernisation - the way forward and challenges for delivery
- overcoming challenges for cross-region connections, including in rural areas
- strategies for attracting passengers back on to the network
We were pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from Mark Phillips, Chief Executive, RSSB; and Board Member, Transport for London; Dan Brown, Director, Strategy and Policy, Office of Rail and Road; and Susan Evans, Rail, Bridges and Structures Business Director, AECOM.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the ORR; the DfT; Transport for Wales; Transport Scotland; BEIS; the CMA; Defra; the Government Legal Department; the NAO; the Planning Inspectorate; UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government.
