Forum calls for measures to ‘unleash the potential of rail’

Rail Forum has launched a General Election policy document containing five recommendations that it believes would “unleash the potential of rail”.

The document, called ‘Unleashing the potential of rail: an enabler of economic prosperity’, outlines five key policy changes that the forum believes would drive significant benefits for customers, taxpayers and the rail supply chain.

It calls for “an ambitious vision for the industry”, underpinned by a long-term investment strategy.

Second, it seeks a commitment to a suite of integrated national and local plans that support devolved decision making, while maintaining a whole network perspective.

Thirdly, it wants to see rapid progress on the rail reform agenda and fourth, faster implementation of digital  technologies.

Finally, it calls for a new approach to procurement, underpinned by the new Procurement Act, that provides fairer opportunities for UK SMEs, focuses on results and provides greater social value for the UK.

Elaine Clark, chief executive at Rail Forum, which represents almost 400 rail-related organisations, said: “Rail Forum wants to see rail positioned at the heart of the public transport and freight system, as an economic enabler helping to drive UK growth and supporting delivery of our net zero commitments.

“Our message to the next government is simple – work with us to unleash the potential of rail.”

To download Rail Forum’s General Election policy document visit https://www.railforum.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Rail-Forum-Unleashing-the-potential-of-rail.pdf.

A video has also been created of Elaine introducing the policy document. To view it, visit https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IDovc2j1xYY .