The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has welcomed the Government’s first Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Strategy, but said its forthcoming Fleet & Infrastructure Plan must provide the detail needed to make the proposals investable.
The strategy, published on Monday, sets out plans for a more predictable rail investment pipeline, with an emphasis on fleet families, repeatable procurement, refurbishment and coordinated enabling works. The RIA said this could help reduce the boom-and-bust cycle that has affected the rail supply sector.
FIP expected to set out delivery detail
The trade body said the strategy also placed welcome emphasis on passenger outcomes and accessibility, including level boarding and inclusive design. It highlighted the proposed integration of rolling stock and infrastructure planning, including the alignment of European Train Control System (ETCS) fitment with signalling renewals and earlier planning for energy connections.
It also welcomed greater recognition of whole-life value and supply-chain capability, alongside a significant role for battery-electric trains in replacing life-expired diesel passenger fleets, supported by targeted electrification and power upgrades.
However, the RIA said the strategy was not a funded delivery plan. It wants the Fleet & Infrastructure Plan (FIP) to set out indicative volumes, timescales, electrification priorities, procurement opportunities and the funding status of planned work.
Darren Caplan, chief executive of the RIA, said: “The Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Strategy is a welcome step towards a more joined-up and long-term approach to investment in the railway and reflects several priorities RIA has consistently championed.
“We particularly welcome the prospect of a clearer, longer-term pipeline. Having campaigned for many years against boom and bust, greater visibility of future work can give suppliers the confidence to invest in people, skills and innovation.
“But there are important gaps to address. Freight is notably absent, and the Fleet & Infrastructure Plan must now support the Government target to grow rail freight by 75 per cent by 2050, as well as plan for substantial expected passenger growth and show what this will require in terms of electrification, signalling and rolling stock.
“The FIP is therefore urgent. To support UK jobs, suppliers will need clarity on what is coming, when it is needed and how it will be funded if they are to invest with confidence.”
Freight and devolved operators
The RIA said the FIP should address the infrastructure, signalling and rolling stock implications of passenger growth, as well as the Government’s rail freight growth target.
It also called for continued engagement with suppliers if Great British Railways takes on a more active role in areas such as maintenance, depots and rolling stock. The association said decisions should be based on evidence and their impact across the whole railway, rather than on individual parts of the system.
Caplan added that the Government would need to explain how the approach would work alongside devolved and other non-GBR operators, so that changes to fleets, procurement and infrastructure were properly coordinated.