Railway industry responds to National Infrastructure Commission’s Rail Needs Assessment for the Midlands and North
The Railway Industry Association, the trade body for the UK rail supply community, has responded to the National Infrastructure Commission’s Rail Needs Assessment for the Midlands and North.
Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said:
“The National Infrastructure Commission makes the case in its latest report for a consistent programme of rail investment to be delivered in the North and Midlands, including delivering a rolling programme of investments that improves the connectivity in the region.
"The Railway Industry Association welcomes this analysis, which particularly recognises the need for visibility and ending ‘boom and bust’ profiles of work for rail suppliers, so they are best equipped to deliver effectively and efficiently.
“It is vital we deliver HS2, TransPennine Route Upgrade, Northern Powerhouse Rail and Midlands Engine Rail in full, whilst also delivering decarbonisation and digitalisation across the region’s rail network. If the Government truly wishes to ‘build back better’ it should make rail a key part of the UK’s economic recovery – and not make the Midlands and North choose between crucial schemes.
“We now look forward to the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan, which we hope backs these schemes in full and commits to the jobs, investment and economic growth these projects will bring across the UK.”
