Rail Partners: rail growth needs the private sector

Operators are calling for long-term reforms that will help to stabilise industry finances by growing revenue.

And they are rejecting nationalisation as the way to achieve that goal.

Published a few days after the Labour Party’s annual conference backed full renationalisation (RAIL 967), a new report sets out an immediate step that government can take to accelerate growth, as well as priorities for longer-term reform, through a revived public-private partnership.

The report - Revitalising Rail: How private operators can accelerate recovery - is published by Rail Partners, the trade body representing independent passenger and freight operating companies.

It outlines how such a move can attract more people and businesses to rail, and increase revenue while reducing costs - benefiting both taxpayers and customers.

“The private sector has previously restored the industry’s finances to good health, and it can once again help meet the significant challenges the railway faces,” said Rail Partners CEO Andy Bagnall.

“The right conditions are needed for the private sector to do what it does best and grow the rail market - increasing revenue by delivering for customers, and securing all the economic and environmental benefits a vibrant railway delivers for Britain.

“Our research shows at least an additional £200 million per annum could potentially flow back to the Treasury if operators are given more commercial freedom in their current contracts.”

Rail Partners argues that “changed realities” after the pandemic mean that reform remains “imperative”, and that the private sector wants to “use its expertise to support government in successfully co-creating rail’s future”.

The organisation’s members are: Abellio, Arriva, First, Govia, Mitsui, MTR, Serco, Trenitalia UK, Colas Rail, DB Cargo, Direct Rail Services, Freightliner and GB Railfreight.

To read the full story, see RAIL 968