Yesterday saw the publication of the review into rail and urban transport, establishing a bold vision for the future of the UK’s rail industry.
The publication of the Rail and Urban Transport Review, released by the Urban Transport Group, comes with an emphasis on the need for a major shift in thinking as the nation works towards a more connected, affordable, and high-capacity network.
As it identified ways that transport infrastructure, especially in rail, can be improved to meet the needs of the economy and society whilst also addressing climate issues, the report identified five key themes that would categorise recommendations. These themes were:
- A bold long-term vision and ambition for transport infrastructure
- Accelerating delivery of transport infrastructure across the nation
- Harnessing the benefits of public-private partnerships
- Getting the structure right for delivery now and in the future
Chair of the Review, Juergen Maier CBE, said:
"This is a pivotal moment for the UK's transport sector. We have a unique opportunity to reshape our transport infrastructure to be greener, more inclusive, and future-ready. Our recommendations provide a clear roadmap for the new government to seize this moment and drive significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. Until now, the ‘chop and change’ approach to transport policy has created significant ambiguity in the sector, raised costs, and held back investment. We must set the UK on a new course."
Four main recommendations came out of the report, including a call for the establishment of an ‘ambitious transport infrastructure plan’ that will help to make the transport network greener, as well as more efficiency and inclusive. This should be fit for the short-term future, as well as the long-term future (the next 50 years), beginning with the creation of a Transport Strategy for England.
Alongside the creation of a long-term plan for the network, the report also called for a transformative new framework to be implemented, with this reducing the costs of delivering projects by 20% and bringing timelines down by 25%.
The remaining two recommendations focused on the development of an infrastructure playbook, that would help to leverage private investment to bring about significant improvements, as well as a push to make sure that the voices of transport users and the workforce are a large part of future plans for the network.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh also commented:
“14 years of Conservative government left the public sick and tired of broken promises on transport infrastructure.
“This independent expert-led review provides a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities we face in delivering transport infrastructure in Britain and will help inform this new Government’s thinking.
“We are clear that we will deliver value for the taxpayer while turbocharging delivery of transport projects. That’s how you grow the economy in every corner of the country, and deliver the transport network that modern Britain needs.”
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