TO BE PUBLISHED April 2025
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This conference will assess next steps for Britain’s rail network.
It is an opportunity to assess how the upcoming transition period within the sector can be navigated as Great British Railways is established and Train Operating Companies (TOCs) are taken back into public ownership. It takes place within the context of the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act receiving Royal Assent in November and the announcement that SWR and c2c will become the first TOCs to transfer into public ownership in 2025.
With the government announcing the launch of a Shadow Great British Railways, planned sessions will discuss frameworks for collaboration between railway operators, industry and stakeholder groups ahead of legislation to create GBR as an arm’s length body.
We expect the discussion to bring out latest thinking both on opportunities and how challenges can be addressed, including considerations such as accountability and the relationship with government, devolved parliaments and other industry stakeholders moving forward. Practical and organisation planning for the replacing of Network Rail and bringing infrastructure management under its control will also be considered, alongside external engagement and the management of implications for the rail industry, its partners and passengers.
Following the Rail and Urban Transport Review, the agenda will also look at the possible scope and structures for public-private sector partnerships, how potential benefits might be achieved, priorities for accelerating the pace and delivery of infrastructure projects, and approaches for optimum delivery. We also expect further discussion on the wider issues impacting the rail industry, including next steps for implanting Network Rail’s CP7 delivery plan and the future of rail connectivity projects in light of the cancellation of Phase 2 of HS2.
