The coronavirus pandemic has forced changes of an unprecedented scale across the UK’s commuting networks. COVID-19 has given us all the space to pause and reflect, to build a different future – one where we work, live and travel in a different way.
The publication of Network Rail’s Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy report in September is symptomatic of this reflection.
We need to decarbonise our railways now, and the only way we can meaningfully do this is by finally, wholly committing to a long-term rail electrification plan.
As businesses look to return to some form of on-site work, they are aware that many employees will not return to their former travel patterns. It is likely that many staff, will have new expectations for flexible, greener, COVID-secure travel.
For commuting, this means recognising longer-term trends impacting journey and using current disruption as an opportunity to design transport systems that help the UK transition to a better connected, decarbonised and rebalanced future state.
To hear more from Maria, click here to read the article in full view.
