UK Rail Summit

In 2020 the UK rail industry faces a key challenge – improving performance. After over two decades of growth passengers and political leaders across the country are frustrated about performance. The industry has been accused of “over-promising and under-delivering”.
Expected shortly, The Williams Rail Review has been looking at reforms and would provide a chance to change the fares system as well as introducing a new national rail body and 15 to 20 year passenger transport operator contracts.

Meanwhile, record investment continues to go into the industry. New capacity and digital signalling are in prospect. Flagship projects such as HS2, Crossrail and Northern Powerhouse Rail will deliver the capacity requirements the network desperately requires.

The UK government has also pledged investment in cleaner and greener transport with railways leading the way in green technology. Further electrification of the rail network is necessary to help the UK meet its decarbonisation targets.

The 2020 summit will tackle themes challenging the industry including:

• Priorities for rail across the UK
• Implementing the recommendations from the Williams Review
• Decarbonising the railway
• The future of HS2