Stephen McNair, Ph.D.’s Post

Eager to learn whether this bill will pass Parliament and if so, to observe if this new model will deliver the expected outcomes. For sure more synergies can be achieved when a central form of coordination will be implemented and through integrated life cycle management the overall footprint of the railway sector can be reduced significantly. #enhancingsocietytogether #railways

Ministers have put forward a plan for the future of the railways, publishing a draft bill for pre-legislative scrutiny. The draft Rail Reform Bill sets in motion the plan to deliver a bold vision for future rail customers – of punctual and reliable services, simpler tickets and a modern and innovative railway that meets the needs of passengers and freight users. When passed, it will help deliver on the 2019 manifesto commitment by bringing forward the biggest rail reform programme in a generation to create a simpler, more effective rail system.

It’s finally here. Nearly three years ago, the Williams-Shapps review said a single guiding mind was needed to bring track and train together. Earlier this week, the Government finally published its draft Rail Reform bill and response to the rail reform consultation.    This lays the ground to create an integrated rail body to manage infrastructure and let passenger services. Network Rail would become that body, as Great British Railways.   As a draft bill, there remains some way to implementation - and with a general election on the horizon, there could yet be further delay or a change of approach. https://lnkd.in/ey3nUXBs

On the eve of the Conservative party conference in Manchester the Railway Industry Association (RIA) has set out key asks of Government, seeking clarity for the UK railway industry. Asks include: 1. Include HS2 Phase 2 (Birmingham-Manchester) legislation in the forthcoming King’s Speech, to enable delivery of HS2 in full. 2. Commit to investment pipeline certainty, and clarify which rail enhancement projects are going ahead. 3. Deliver rail reform, including a “guiding mind”, to enable better future rail services and efficiency. 4. Bring forward fleet orders for low carbon rolling stock. Read the full release here ⬇️

More than three years have now passed since the unveiling of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, which included the flagship plans for the creation of Great British Railways. Despite the announcement being well received by a cross section of industry stakeholders and the public, the plans have unfortunately stalled and remain stuck in the draft phase. However, after an undeniably challenging year for the industry, the announcement of a July 4th general election has brought with it some optimism for the UK rail sector. Regardless of which party comes into power, the industry will benefit from that certainty and the next government can start taking the necessary action to get UK rail back on track. Read our latest insight article from Cameron Jones, Chief Commercial Officer @SilverRailTech https://buff.ly/4eEYVIz

Our latest question for your prospective MP was: Q4: How will your government simplify the rail industry to improve accountability and reduce costs? We have marked the party manifestos at https://ow.ly/U15S50Sl0FW, looking for this answer: A4. We will set the strategic objectives for a professional rail body which will take decisions away from ministers and civil servants. It will have bottom-line accountability and authority over resource and service levels, so that the right trade-offs are made between revenue, cost, risk and improving service to passengers. We will publish an investment pipeline to maximise value from investment.

Hey everyone, have you heard about the new rail service plan to fill the gap left by the scrapping of HS2? The BBC has all the details. This is a significant development in the transportation landscape and could have a big impact on our region. Check it out and let's start a conversation about the implications. #RailService #HS2 #TransportationUpdate https://ift.tt/ogulIC3

Numbers don’t lie! Americans want more trains and support the infrastructure investments that are necessary for Amtrak to deliver a new era of rail. Don’t just take our word for it: ✅ 92% say it's important for the U.S. to invest in passenger rail safety and service improvements ✅ 86% believe in the importance of a strong American passenger rail system ✅ 83% support passenger rail investments made possibly by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2021 (modern trains, aging tunnel and bridge replacements, new routes and more) ✅ 81% want their state to invest in bringing more passenger rail service to their local area Check out more here: https://lnkd.in/eHusiEEX

In a pivotal move charting the future of British transportation, the UK Government has laid out an ambitious framework with the announcement of the Draft Rail Reform Bill. Poised to revolutionize the nation’s railways, Great British Railways emerges at the forefront of this transformation, promising a comprehensive overhaul of the existing system. With an eye on efficiency, modernization, and financial sustainability, Great British Railways will assume the mantle for both rail infrastructure and service management, striving for seamless integration and a rejuvenated focus on passengers and freight operations across the UK. The blueprint of the envisioned future unfolds through the meticulous crafting of the Draft Rail Reform Bill, aiming to reshape British railways with strategic private sector involvement and innovative service models. Great British Railways will function as the linchpin in contracting and incentivizing high-performance partnerships, encouraging private sector operators to curate quality-driven passenger experiences and robust rail connectivity. This strategic shift heralds a new era for UK railways, where the synergy between public objectives and private enterprise will catalyse growth, particularly emphasizing a significant expansion for the British rail freight sector by 2050. https://lnkd.in/e6TScGZb #uk #rail #gbr #reform