Mayors and devolved authorities must have a central role in the running of local rail services in the forthcoming Rail Reform Bill, to ensure rail complements local plans for growth, housing, skills and the environment, according to a new report.
The report - Harnessing the opportunity of our local railways – sets out the case for a new, meaningful role for devolved leaders and authorities in the railways, one which ensures decisions on local rail are made close to the communities they serve, whilst supporting local and national policy missions.
The report, published by the Urban Transport Group and its network of transport authorities – and developed with engagement from rail stakeholders - follows the Government’s consultation on rail reform, launched last month ahead of the planned Rail Reform Bill. It also lands as the sector celebrates 200 years since the first passenger rail service opened in England.
The report proposes key foundations, and a series of recommendations (see notes to editors), that should underpin a new and transformational role for Mayors and devolved authorities in the delivery of local rail, including a duty for GBR to work with devolved authorities to ensure any plans reflect and enable the delivery of local ambitions for growth and for rail.
In addition, the paper explores key areas that Mayors and devolved authorities will wish to have an influence over, including timetabling, fares and ticketing, and stations.
Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:
"We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine our railways and harness the potential for rail to become part of devolved and fully integrated local transport networks.
“As a minimum, rail reform should ensure that there is a clear duty on central government to devolve powers and funding on local rail to devolved leaders and authorities, where this would bring enhanced outcomes for communities and taxpayers.
“If our railways are to contribute to the Government’s Plan for Change and help to grow local economies, it is devolved leaders who are best placed to ensure passengers and businesses are front and centre of plans for local rail services.”
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