Economic Development Regina’s Post

This is a vital step to take control of the maintenance of Infrastructure. The same critical steps will need to be taken for water and electricity supply as well.

Globally the politics of Rail SOEs are not stable, swinging from privatisation to re-nationalisation and back to privatisation.

In the interests of political balance I have also reviewed the Liberal Democrat manifesto for plans for rail. Whilst unlikely to be a single party in power, the Lib Dem policies are important as they shape legislation in opposition or potentially become a coalition partner. This manifesto has quite a lot on rail so I’ve noted just a couple of themes: - A headline promise to make the railways convenient, affordable and environmentally-friendly option for passengers and freight. This is good news for freight if this commitment means tackling the disparity between road and rail costs. As with the Labour manifesto it will be interesting to see what policy choices sit beneath the promise to make the passenger railway more affordable. - Probably the most mentions of rail freight in the three manifestos with a commitment to mode shift to rail, growth and electrification. - I can’t decide whether the commitment to put “commuters first” is slightly careless wording or a policy decision that certain types of passengers get priority in decision-making. It is something that would need looking at by the rail industry if it is about commuter priority. - A welcome mention of international rail strategy and getting new operators on the line. This is a really important policy at Labour and the Conservatives should steal! There’s huge potential through the Channel Tunnel and on HS1 that should be facilitated. #railways #rail #policy #transport #positioning #policy #strategy #policymakers #stakeholders #election #generalelection #politics #liberaldemocrats #libdems #manifesto #ge2024 

On 20th February, the DfT published the draft Rail Reform Bill, designed they said, to "put forward a clear plan for the future of the railways." Except, that's probably the one thing it doesn't really do. The draft Bill will bow be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny and it is unlikely to make it anywhere near the statute book before a General Election. Should Labour win that election, key elements of the Bill will be changed even if some remains. One bit that will be changed will be the approach to the private sector. The Labour Party have talked at length about returning train operations in particular to public ownership at the expiry of whatever contract arrangement is currently in place for a particular route or former franchise. The Draft Rail Reform Bill on the other hand makes great play of the fact that the new Integrated Rail Body (it does get confusing, I admit) is to be a commissioning authority, "contracting with the private sector to deliver passenger services and maximise investment, innovation and opportunity". Roger Ford, the respected veteran industry commentator put it rather neatly when he observed "Why would a new rolling organisation bringing track and trains together and with passengers at his heart, want to sub-contract responsibility for those passengers to a third party? The equivalent of a supermarket outsourcing the management and staffing of its checkouts." Quite, though it didn't stop plenty in the rail industry fawning over the plans and issuing bland statements welcoming the opportunity for a new start, and for clarity and change. I rather fear it's desperation to an extent - anything must feel better than the micro-management by the DfT and the Treasury of the last few years. On the latest Green Signals, Nigel Harris and I put our rather cynical hats on and conclude whatever does happen in the next few years, it is unlikely to be everything that's in the draft Rail Reform Bill. And we also hear Nigel's account of proceedings at the annual and prestigious Bradshaw lecture when Huw Merriman, Rail Minister, and Stephen Morgan, Shadow Rail Minister, went head to head to set out their party's vision of the future. Spoiler Alert: we didn't learn much that was new, though one of the speakers did manage a slip of the tongue when describing their future approach that caused much mirth in the room. Let's face it, we need a bit of light relief at the moment. #dft #railways #networkrail #railreformbill

At best, the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport signals a period of uncertainty for rail. At worst, it could be its undoing. Here's our submission to the Ministry of Transport.

Central Government scrutinises East West Rail

Is it the end of the line for the private sector in rail? Former Labour MP and Rail Minister Tom Harris, seasoned rail expert Jonathan Riley, Labour insider Kelly Edwards and I discuss what the next Government could mean for the UK's rail industry. 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gp42YwRx Labour have already outlined their rail policy for the General Election, with a commitment to effectively renationalise the current rail franchises. Key Topics Covered: 🌟 Labour's realistic approach to rail nationalisation 🌟 Balancing pragmatic solutions with public expectations 🌟 The impact of devolution on transport policies 🌟 Strategies to reset industrial relations and improve public transport 🌟 Are buses and active travel being overlooked by policy makers? #GE24 #TransportPolicy #RailReform #LabourParty #PublicTransport #InstinctifTalks

The consensus ahead of the general election is clear; rail needs reform and fresh thinking Railway Industry Association argues that tackling the major issues facing the sector can bring an economic boost around the country and get us one step closer to our 2050 Net-Zero target, but it will require long-term certainty and long-term goals #PartnerContent https://bit.ly/3UHcXBi

Labour's plans to renationalise the railways are completely erroneous and not based in fact🚆 Check out our briefing note to find out why this is such a misinformed policy 👇 https://lnkd.in/eZUUmHgT

The consensus ahead of the general election is clear; rail needs reform and fresh thinking Railway Industry Association argues that tackling the major issues facing the sector can bring an economic boost around the country and get us one step closer to our 2050 Net-Zero target, but it will require long-term certainty and long-term goals #PartnerContent https://bit.ly/3UHcXBi