In an increasingly complicated world, where road haulage is struggling and petrol prices are spiking, the rail industry could offer a key part of the future transport solution our society is looking for. Expanding rail capability, and integrating rail better with other public transport systems, can meet societies changing needs in a more sustainable and accessible way. But this is not simple: the continuing impact of the COVID pandemic, along with the challenge of updating a large and complex legacy rail and station network have been hindering the impact and efforts to push forward with a long-term strategy.
Organised in collaboration with University of Bristol, this industry day aims to explore what the future of rail travel looks like in the near future; how it is possible to build a pipeline of activity that works cohesively, underpinning industry, government, academia, and the wider rail ecosystem more generally. During the event, we will investigate synergies across different transport systems as well as their integration. We will delve into the challenges and hurdles preventing them from coming together and working holistically. Finally, we will test societal readiness level, and question what needs to be done to make rail more accessible to all.
This event is intended for central and local government, industry, academia. The SMEs’ pitching sessions is particularly intended for Local Authorities across the country.