Rail Development Group - launches ‘single plan’ for railway with unions, operators and businesses
Almost £85bn of additional economic benefits are hoped to be secured by a landmark collaboration between unions, TOCs▸ and freight operators, the Rail Delivery Group (RDG‡) has today stated.
The figure is on top of the £31bn of economic benefits that the railway currently delivers each year.
The collaboration will see train companies, Network Rail and suppliers launch a long-term plan for changing an improving the railway together.
The plan, ‘In partnership for Britain’s prosperity,’ which is supported by passenger groups, all train operating companies, Network Rail, rail freight companies and the supply chain, makes commitments for change and improvements.
It includes independent research, which demonstrates how a changing partnership railway could achieve the additional economic benefits by connecting people to jobs, housing and business opportunities.
To strengthen and improve the railway, the plan will see the industry make four commitments to the railways.
The first commitment will be to strengthen the railway’s contribution to the economy, keeping running costs down and freeing up taxpayers’ money.
The second will be to increase customer satisfaction by improving the railway. Thirdly, the industry will commit to boost local communities through localised decision-making and investment.
The fourth commitment pledged in the plan will be to create more jobs, increase diversity and provide rewarding careers in rail.
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