“The DfT needs to hear and engage in industry debate about the existing rail system so that it is able to set direction that is effective, deliverable and makes things better.”  

How will the recently announced £48bn of investment throughout CP6 modernise and improve the rail network?
The £48bn announcement is an incredible show of commitment from the Government to the railway industry. The next couple of years are going to see substantial improvements to passengers services as many of the major CP5 investments fully come in to operational being (Thameslink programme, upgrades in the west and north, and the introduction of IEP and other modern train fleets). CP6 will be focussed on making sure that the underlying state of the railway is there to fulfil the potential of these schemes through an increase in maintenance and renewals work on the railway – the bread and butter activity that keeps us all moving.

What challenges does the Department for Transport face going into CP6, and how does it plan to address these?
The challenge for the DfT is quite simple – namely to ensure that the industry absolutely gets that it must deliver what it promises. Passengers, freight customers and indeed the taxpayer deserve no less.

Does the existing rail system in the UK need to be re-shaped, and if so how is the government taking action?
The industry is already reshaping – NR route devolution, stronger alliancing and the changing arrangements for the development and commitment to enhancement projects is already underway. Government is continuing to consider options that can build on this good work.

Why is it important to attend Accelerate: Rail 2018?
The DfT needs to hear and engage in industry debate about the existing rail system so that it is able to set direction that is effective, deliverable and makes things better. A conference such as Accelerate : Rail 2018 is an ideal place for this to occur.