HS1 Ltd, currently the only operating high-speed rail line in the U.K and runs the Channel Tunnel has launched a manifesto that it hopes will drive growth in the sector and define policy ahead of an expected general election next year.
The manifesto outlines specific policy ideas that it believes will improve connectivity to economic hubs and improve access and usage of more environmentally friendly forms of transport.
The manifesto includes nine priorities including financially supporting trials for sustainability, connectivity improvements and incentivising rail use.
As well as focusing on improvements within the UK rail sector, HS1 Ltd are looking outwards towards the continent also with other priorities including frictionless travel to Europe, supporting and developing new international routes and providing the HS1 line with regulatory guidelines that foster innovation.
Dyan Perry, chief executive officer of HS1 Ltd. said: “With the rail sector being integral to boosting growth across the UK and achieving the UK’s net-zero transport objectives, it is absolutely fundamental the next Government prioritising the delivery of support to the rail sector that helps support its growth.
“Through our manifesto launched today, we have set out the key policies the Government must adopt to provide the necessary support to the rail sector, to help it recapture growth once again.”
HS1 Ltd recently launched a new biometric and facial recognition technology called SmartCheck at St Pancras station as it continues with its technological drive as well as moving forward with its sustainability targets including introducing regenerative braking on rolling stock and establishing a plan to achieve net zero.
The full list of priorities are below.
- Capitalise on the growing shift in public attitudes towards environmentally-friendly travel by financially supporting trials for sustainability-focused schemes – such as ‘green miles’ rewards.
- Improve connectivity between different transport modes to create better access to train stations.
- Incentivise rail use through better ticketing, with the Government working with industry to develop new, innovative ticketing options for people to reflect new travel habits.
- Enable frictionless travel to Europe and alleviate risks associated with the Entry/Exit Scheme.
- Support new international routes and operators.
- Reintroduce the VAT Retail Export Scheme, helping to boost the number of international tourists choosing the UK as a holiday destination and support the recovery of the retail sector.
- Increase passenger numbers by committing to work with operators to ensure they are being held accountable for increasing passenger numbers on their services.
- Support the recovery of domestic services by ensuring operator’s long-term viability.
- Providing the HS1 line with greater regulatory innovation as a test bed for showcasing how the rail network can help itself through more freedom to innovate.
Photo Credit: Istock
