RIA responds to RDG’s submission to Williams Rail Review

The Railway Industry Association (RIA), the trade body for the rail supply industry, has responded to the Rail Delivery Group’s proposals for the Williams Rail Review.
 
Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: "The Railway Industry Association welcomes the Rail Delivery Group’s Williams Review proposals announced today.
 
"Whilst change in the rail industry should not occur for the sake of change, there is a need for the Government to withdraw from day-to-day intervention in the railway, which is widespread, and to concentrate on an outcomes-based approach.
 
"So the Williams Review should consider proposals that place the Government at arm’s length, but which avoid the problems encountered with the erstwhile Strategic Rail Authority, by establishing clear demarcation of responsibilities and ensuring a smooth, visible pipeline of work for the businesses which build, maintain and enhance the UK’s rail network."
 
RIA will shortly be issuing its own Press Release outlining key aspects of its response to the Williams Review consultation.

Notes to Editors

1. About RIA: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. We promote and represent our members’ interests to policy makers, clients and other stakeholders in the UK and overseas. RIA has 275+ companies in membership in a sector that contributes £36 billion in economic growth and £11 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 600,000 people—more than the workforce of Birmingham. It is also a growing industry with the number of rail journeys expected to double over the next 25 years and freight set to grow significantly too. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). RIA works to promote the importance of the rail system to UK plc, to help export UK expertise around the globe and to share best practice and innovation across the industry.