The role of rail in an integrated and decarbonised transport system

Interchange 2024 - Day 210.15-11.30Railway Industry Association (RIA)

8 Apr

Modal shift was discussed extensively during the Railway Industry Association round table. While some thought transport policy should simply be used to prioritise rail, others thought the emphasis should be on promoting multi-modal transport, with rail providing the backbone of an integrated and seamless transport system

Executive Summary

Modal shift was discussed extensively, with differing views expressed. Some thought that transport policy should simply be used to prioritise and favouritise rail, whilst others thought that so long as all the other modes were becoming cleaner too then we should try to promote integrated transport, with people attracted to rail not forced to do so via policy. In effect, promoting Mobility As A Service, with the principle that the more people use other forms of transport they will then link to and use rail too.

Key points:

Rail has a pivotal role to play in delivering a fully integrated transport system in the UK that meets the UK targets for net zero carbon.
Rail is the “backbone” of an integrated decarbonised transport system
Rail is already a low carbon form of transport which further electrification will only improve – see RIA briefing: Transport Decarbonisation Plan - Campaigns RIA (riagb.org.uk)
Rail must be a key player in TEAM TRANSPORT
The UK needs an Integrated Transport Strategy that incorporates transport, planning, housing, environment and health.

Challenges:

The Last Mile is key to encouraging modal shift
· Passengers and freight need an integrated system from door to door
· For rural communities it is about the 1st and last 10 miles!

Transport policy is not coordinated across modes
Rail must be reliable to encourage modal shift
UK Power capability to support the shift to EV vehicles
Planning regulations stifle development of stations as a “place”
Funding
Local Transport Plans are not “joined up” across regions to create a national transport plan

Opportunities:

Rail passenger growth is predicted to double by 2050 – see RIA/Steer Report on Long Term Passenger Growth
Smart ticketing as part of the integrated transport system
Rail and Mass Transit as a driver for demographic change, more people living closer to stations
Reform planning regulations and allow Land Value Capture to drive development of stations as a “place”
The economic, social and environmental benefits of rail are underestimated – see The Economic, Environmental, and Social Opportunities that Rail Brings to the UK RIA (riagb.org.uk)
The use of data and digital technologies - see Data and Digital Technologies in Rail RIA (riagb.org.uk)
Transport pricing (or costs) per mile for all modes

With thanks to everyone who contributed: