Consultation isn't the same as partnering, collaborating and respecting.... If everything goes to plan, by 2030 Britain's railways will have been reformed and we'll be settling into a world with a stood-up, populated and stable GBR. That doesn't mean there won't be massive change underway and in many ways if reform doesn't lead to a more agile, responsive and evolving sector it will have failed. One of the tectonic plates that should have materially moved by 2030 is the influence and control of local decision makers. The Government's policy narrative is clear and, if the mechanics follow, the current sector will have powerful new voices with great insights and determined aspirations for change. Importantly they are also likely to have some controls as well as some choices to make or influence. These will not be new stakeholders to add to a consultation matrix but rather new partners, potential funders and custodians of local mobility networks. It's a new paradigm and both the current rail sector and the existing and new local authorities are going to have to think and act differently to fully exploit the benefits of reform and realise local and network potential. In the Steer article below we outline some perspectives for Local Government including the Mayoral Combined Authorities. https://lnkd.in/eU3bumX3 #devolution #railreform #railways Alastair Hutchinson, Nicola Kane, Simon Statham, Neil Kirkwood, Richard Harper, Jennifer Davis, Neil Chadwick, Andrew Bennett, Steve Hunter
Mike Goggin’s Post
More Relevant Posts
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Rail devolution offers potential to reduce yet more of the barriers that have historically constrained MCA areas in achieving integration between their different public transport options, and offering attractive alternatives to car use. Find out more in this post from Mike Goggin and in the linked article
Consultation isn't the same as partnering, collaborating and respecting.... If everything goes to plan, by 2030 Britain's railways will have been reformed and we'll be settling into a world with a stood-up, populated and stable GBR. That doesn't mean there won't be massive change underway and in many ways if reform doesn't lead to a more agile, responsive and evolving sector it will have failed. One of the tectonic plates that should have materially moved by 2030 is the influence and control of local decision makers. The Government's policy narrative is clear and, if the mechanics follow, the current sector will have powerful new voices with great insights and determined aspirations for change. Importantly they are also likely to have some controls as well as some choices to make or influence. These will not be new stakeholders to add to a consultation matrix but rather new partners, potential funders and custodians of local mobility networks. It's a new paradigm and both the current rail sector and the existing and new local authorities are going to have to think and act differently to fully exploit the benefits of reform and realise local and network potential. In the Steer article below we outline some perspectives for Local Government including the Mayoral Combined Authorities. https://lnkd.in/eU3bumX3 #devolution #railreform #railways Alastair Hutchinson, Nicola Kane, Simon Statham, Neil Kirkwood, Richard Harper, Jennifer Davis, Neil Chadwick, Andrew Bennett, Steve Hunter
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With rail reform and devolution high on the UK government’s agenda, mayoral combined authorities have a unique opportunity to shape their transport networks and drive local economic growth. But with funding pressures, network congestion, and complex industry structures, making this vision a reality won’t be easy. Our latest article explores how MCAs can navigate these challenges, unlock the potential of rail, and prioritise investments that deliver real impact. At Steer, we’ve supported local authorities across the UK in developing strategies that work within these constraints while maximising opportunities. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eJ9RYJAq #raildevolution #transportplanning #sustainability #economicgrowth #wearesteer
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Transport Operations, Sports and Major Events Planning Professional Bus Operations Lead at Steer
🚆 Green Flag for Rail Devolution: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity The UK Government’s Devolution White Paper and the forthcoming Rail Reform Bill offer Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) a unique chance to reshape local rail networks. With powers to prioritize funding, deliver long-term investment, and better integrate transport systems, MCAs can align rail strategies with broader economic and transport goals. However, challenges remain. From navigating the rail industry’s complexity to working within constrained budgets, success will require creative, practical solutions. Integrating transport networks, improving first/last-mile connections, and leveraging new mobility options like micromobility will be essential. The focus must be on achievable, value-driven investments that support housing, economic growth, and government priorities. At Steer, we bring deep expertise in rail strategy, vision-led planning, and data-driven solutions to help MCAs seize these opportunities. Let’s collaborate to unlock the potential of rail devolution and deliver real benefits for your region.
With rail reform and devolution high on the UK government’s agenda, mayoral combined authorities have a unique opportunity to shape their transport networks and drive local economic growth. But with funding pressures, network congestion, and complex industry structures, making this vision a reality won’t be easy. Our latest article explores how MCAs can navigate these challenges, unlock the potential of rail, and prioritise investments that deliver real impact. At Steer, we’ve supported local authorities across the UK in developing strategies that work within these constraints while maximising opportunities. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eJ9RYJAq #raildevolution #transportplanning #sustainability #economicgrowth #wearesteer
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It's good to see early collaboration between the Welsh and UK Government on rail reform and tangible commitments to improve infrastructure and deliver better services for passengers. As a development funded by the two governments, we also know that the Global Centre Of Rail Excellence is a priority for both administrations and we look forward to playing our part in securing positive changes in rail over the next few years. https://lnkd.in/exPVDii8 #Rail
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Really good to see tackling regional inequality and the UK Government's new growth mission running through Louise Haigh MP's five strategic priorities as the new Secretary of State for Transport. Priorities: https://lnkd.in/etsU9FfB Lots to do, but it feels like a really good start for the new government, setting a positive tone about the future of rail and integrated transport. Global Centre Of Rail Excellence Chief Executive Simon Jones wrote a piece yesterday looking at the opportunities for rail in the new focus on industrial strategy. GCRE Piece: https://lnkd.in/d-_JTxE8 #Rail #IndustrialStrategy
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🚆 The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens , has made rail her number one priority in the Spending Review. This commitment aims to address historic underinvestment and pave the way for sustainable funding. 🌟 🔹 Read more about the blueprint for rail improvements and government commitments: https://lnkd.in/ewKUMeBK #Wales #Rail #Infrastructure #SpendingReview #SustainableFunding #Government #Transport #Investment
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Questions have been raised about giving the Secretary of State open-ended powers to change legislation in the draft Rail Reform Bill. In its submission to the pre-legislative scrutiny inquiry of the draft Rail Reform Bill, the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee has expressed concern over Clause 8: the power for Secretary of State to make provision by regulations about railway transport services. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail
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There’s a lot of disappointment around transport elements of the budget, but I think there needs to be a sense of pragmatism here. On the fuel duty escalator, increasing it is going to hit the worst off disproportionately and it’s impossible to imagine a Labour government doing that irrespective of the fiscal and environmental logic. On rail, let’s ignore the commitments to projects already under way: confirmation of HS2 tunnelling to Euston is welcome, but also a practical necessity to get the TBMs out of Old Oak Common so the station can be built. What Euston will look like, at the moment, who knows? And on HS2 2a to Crewe, Ely upgrade and much more, the big infrastructure announcements will be next spring. If there’s ambitions to do them, they certainly wouldn’t have been announced in the budget. I think upping the bus fare cap is a miscue: it’s a relatively cheap policy that’s easily understood and has made our most important mode of public transport by passenger numbers more attractive. The blunt reality is that for most people, sorting the NHS, crime, education and so on are far bigger priorities than spending on a rail network whose record on deliver in major projects on time and to budget in recent years might be described as ‘mixed’. A logical inference of all of this is that, I strongly suspect, the private sector is going to be more involved in the funding and delivery of enhancements. Yes, it will cost more in the long term but we could be waiting a long time for transport to reach the front of the investment queue. It’s surely better to have an imperfect something now rather than a perfect something too late or never at all. Let’s wait until spring to see what the infrastructure plans are before damning the lack of projects in the budget. I don’t think in all truth, much more than was in it was expected in transport terms. Disappointing for sure - but also vital to recognise where most people’s priorities are and that any government will look to meet them.
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Senior Director - Environment and Sustainability - Infrastructure Business Unit Lead at Temple Group
The Transport Secretary has announced five key priorities to overhaul transport. They are: - improving performance on the railways and driving forward rail reform - improving bus services and growing usage across the country - transforming infrastructure to work for the whole country, promoting social mobility and tackling regional inequality - delivering greener transport - better integrating transport networks https://lnkd.in/gUEqppH4
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The Rail Industry Forum 2024, took place on 1st May in London, with a panel on Plans and progress with the delivery of major rail infrastructure – current project and pipeline of future development. Transport for the North #RailIndustryForum2024 #RailwayNews #RailNews
