Steer’s Post

🚆 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.

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

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

Five clear asks to the next government that will lead to a better railway!

Government infrastructure advisers have recently voiced a pivotal recommendation: the UK needs a robust, long-term strategic plan for its rail network ✍️ This plan aims to address the critical challenges of today and prepare for the technological and environmental demands of tomorrow. Key focus areas highlighted include sustainability, innovation in rail technology, and building a resilient infrastructure that can withstand future economic and climatic pressures 🌐 By aligning short-term actions with long-term objectives, the strategy seeks not only to improve the efficiency and reliability of train services but also to enhance passenger experiences and reduce the environmental impact of rail operations.  The ultimate goal is to create a rail system that is both adaptable to future developments and sustainable for generations to come ⚖️ What features do you think should be prioritised in the UK's long-term rail strategy to best meet future challenges? #UKRail #TransportStrategy #SustainableRail #FutureRail #RailInnovation #deployrecruit [Source: railmagazine.com]

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

German seaports fear rail connection cutoffs and demand higher budget next year The German “Generalsanierung”, the major rework programme for the country’s railway infrastructure, is of major concern for rail operators. They fear diversions, delays and ultimately… https://lnkd.in/e7qFw3Nz #railfreight #railfreightnews #railcargonews

We have launched a report today - High Speed Rail: Exploiting the Potential, that outlines five recommendations for the next Government, which if implemented would allow the UK to deliver the new capacity and connectivity which it desperately needs to grow sustainably. We believe that a comprehensive long-term strategy to develop the UK’s inter urban rail network is essential for future economic growth and achieving net zero. We urge political figures on all sides to look beyond HS2 and take a fresh approach to maximise the vast potential of high speed rail in the UK. Recommendation one - develop, and stick to, a comprehensive long-term strategy for both North-South and East-West travel, prioritising the link from Birmingham to the North West, and the route across the north of England from Liverpool to Hull. To avoid an ever great clogged up road network. #rail #highspeedrail #infrastructure #connectivitymatters #railways #hs2 #railcapacity #railconnections #railpassengers #railfreight #longtermplanning #transportconnectivity #sustainabletravel #netzero https://lnkd.in/dnvpV_kr

A truly joined up approach to #highspeedrail is needed to connect communities and create places that thrive. We’re proud members of the High Speed Rail Group since its inception. This latest 'Exploiting the Potential' report identifies clear opportunities for building a #highspeed #rail network that enables long-term social, economic and #environmental benefits. We are a pioneer of high speed rail and share the vision of making long-distance travel faster, safer, more reliable and more sustainable for passengers. SYSTRA experts have worked on almost half of the #HSR projects around the globe and have been doing so for over 50 years. Our teams played a major role in HS1 in the UK and are applying our expertise to the design and construction of #HS2. Whilst often complex and challenging schemes, we know transformational projects such as HS2, as proposed in full, have the potential to reinforce #railway capacity while creating significant economic benefits for regions and populations. We remain passionate about working with partners and stakeholders to deliver innovative high speed rail #infrastructure that can make a real difference to all areas of the UK for generations to come. #connectivitymatters #railways #railcapacity #railconnections #railpassengers #railfreight #longtermplanning #transportconnectivity #sustainabletravel #netzero