Midlands Connect’s Rail Strategy Lead, Richard Mann, has been speaking at Transcity Rail Midlands. Supported by Rail Technology Magazine and featuring leading rail industry figures and suppliers.
Richard discussed how connecting cities, and encouraging competition, can bring economic growth for the region.
Rail plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, by ensuring that people can access education and employment opportunities much easier than if they relied on cars.
The option of living in one city and working in another is something that appeals to many, especially considering that the Covid-19 pandemic ushered in dramatic changes to working patterns. As cities continue to grow and evolve, supporting travel between economic hubs is an essential job for rail companies.
This is especially important in the Midlands, which includes cities such as Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Lincoln stretching right across the country. With the money that has been promised from the cancellation of HS2 to the North, there is the opportunity for the region to benefit from transport projects that can bring cities closer together.
Touching on how connecting cities can bring economic gain, Richard told delegates:
“Competition between cities is actually potentially one of our strong points. We have that diversity of people in different places with different backgrounds, but that competition that we could potentially get only really works if you can get from one place to another...
“We developed a strategic transport plan in 2022 and started out thinking about how we can improve the economy of the Midlands. How do we improve productivity for those cities? How do we get more jobs? So we came up with a three word slogan: farer, greener, stronger.”
Discover what industry leaders had to say at Transcity Rail Midlands, delivered by Rail Technology Magazine, through coverage on our social media sites and website.
