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The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has today set out six key priorities for the future of rail, which it is urging new Prime Minister Liz Truss to adopt. Taken together, these priorities would boost economic growth and levelling up, create jobs and facilitate the UK’s journey towards Net Zero.
RIA’s call comes after two challenging years for the industry, with the Coronavirus pandemic impacting both passenger and freight levels on the national network. However, with demand for both passenger and freight journeys returning quickly and passenger numbers now regularly hitting over 90% of pre-pandemic levels, continued government support and investment is essential to ensuring the necessary increase in rail capacity – both infrastructure and rolling stock – in the years ahead.
RIA’s six key priorities for the incoming Prime Minister to support the rail supply sector are:
Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: “We congratulate Prime Minister Liz Truss on taking office. As she looks at industrial sectors which can help with the UK’s future success and prosperity, the railway industry is ready and willing to play its part in delivering her plans to generate economic growth, to level up and to help the Government deliver its Net Zero targets. “Rail is key to the UK’s future, not only connecting towns, cities and communities across the country but also in creating and supporting economic growth, hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in tax revenue. For every £1 spent on rail, £2.50 is generated in the wider economy. “With passenger numbers now regularly hitting well over 90% of pre-pandemic levels, and freight back to high volumes too, it is clear that rail not only has a bright and prosperous future but can play a key role in helping the wider national economic recovery, in what we know are uncertain times. “From providing certainty of work to delivering major projects and getting the delivery of GBR right, we urge PM Liz Truss and her top team to make progress on the six ‘asks’ we are setting out today. By doing this she can ensure the railway industry gets the support it needs in the coming months, to help it deliver for the UK, its economy and connectivity, in the years ahead.”
Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said:
“We congratulate Prime Minister Liz Truss on taking office. As she looks at industrial sectors which can help with the UK’s future success and prosperity, the railway industry is ready and willing to play its part in delivering her plans to generate economic growth, to level up and to help the Government deliver its Net Zero targets. “Rail is key to the UK’s future, not only connecting towns, cities and communities across the country but also in creating and supporting economic growth, hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in tax revenue. For every £1 spent on rail, £2.50 is generated in the wider economy. “With passenger numbers now regularly hitting well over 90% of pre-pandemic levels, and freight back to high volumes too, it is clear that rail not only has a bright and prosperous future but can play a key role in helping the wider national economic recovery, in what we know are uncertain times. “From providing certainty of work to delivering major projects and getting the delivery of GBR right, we urge PM Liz Truss and her top team to make progress on the six ‘asks’ we are setting out today. By doing this she can ensure the railway industry gets the support it needs in the coming months, to help it deliver for the UK, its economy and connectivity, in the years ahead.”