RIA calls for clarity in its manifesto ahead of general election

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is calling for a fresh start for UK rail in its manifesto, which it has published ahead of the general election on July 4.

In it, RIA outlines its five main asks of the incoming parliament including boosting capacity to meet future demand as well as outlining a long-term investment strategy.

Alongside boosting capacity, RIA is also asking for new train orders and low carbon upgrades to the network to be accelerated as well as delivering on the long-planned reform needed in the industry.

Commenting on the manifesto, Railway Industry Association Chief Executive Darren Caplan said: “In the short-term, we urge incoming rail Ministers to fast-track rail reform as soon as possible – to give structure and certainty to the railway industry – and to bring forward orders of low-carbon rolling stock.

The next Government should also focus on top-line growth, not just bottom-line cost efficiency, if it wants to build the foundations for long-term sustainability and investment.”

A possible plan for the first 100 days of the new parliament has also been outlined in the manifesto. The lack of rolling-stock orders has plagued the industry for several months, and factory closures and job losses are a real threat for some manufacturers. To combat this, RIA is urging the new parliament to bring forward orders of battery-electric trains as quickly as possible, which it argues will be needed to decarbonise the network regardless of any policy decisions.

It also asks for certainty for the industry within the first 100 days by including any rail reform bill in the King’s speech, including legal commitments to publish a long-term strategy and timescales for the steps needed to establish Great British Railways.

But it also asks for any new government to begin focusing on revenue growth. RIA believes it can be achieved including beginning to incentivise TOCs and rolling out ticketing pilots.

Ensuring the supply chain is supported throughout any reform is also highlighted. RIA estimates that the rail sector contributes £43 billion to the UK economy with over half of the contribution coming through the supply chain. It argues that a long-term pipeline of work should be made available along with maintaining a consistent long-term view to major rail projects, which it hopes will avoid any cancellations similar to HS2 Phase 2.

Caplan added: “Whoever forms the next Government needs to seize the opportunity to refresh rail for the future.

“With passenger growth approaching 100% of pre-Covid levels, and future forecasts showing passenger numbers potentially doubling to 2050, an upward and prosperous future for the railway growth is achievable with the right political ambition and commitment.”