RIA responds to northern Transport Decarbonisation Strategy

The Railway Industry Association (RIA), the national trade body for the rail supply chain, has responded to Transport for the North's Transport Decarbonisation Strategy published today (8 December 2021). 

Justin Moss, Chair of RIA North, commented:

“The ambition in Transport for the North’s (TfN) Decarbonisation Strategy is welcome. If we are to reach a Net Zero transport system, rail will play a key role providing clean transport options, but we will also need to decarbonise further and increase capacity. That means getting on with electrifying our railways today, including all major routes between the towns and cities in the North.

“The news that the Government has committed to electrification, including from Bolton to Wigan and on the Transpennine Route and Midland Mainline, is a good start. But as an industry we need to see a rolling programme of electrification that ensures we can reach Net Zero targets. Alongside hydrogen and battery power, electric trains will drive a greener railway and better passenger experience, whilst supporting new jobs and investment both in the North and right across UK.

“The industry stands ready to support TfN and the Government’s ambition to reach a Net Zero transport system. We will continue to work with partners to achieve this, as well as provide supplier input into how the North’s railways can be decarbonised.”