Webinar, 19/11/24: Restore to revive? – The case for restoring our railway network

With this in mind The Restoring Your Railway Fund was established by the UK government in 2020 to restore previously closed rail lines. Including a £500 million commitment to supporting the development or delivery of over 45 schemes across England and Wales. Critics pointed out that this funding was a drop in the ocean and as it turns out the new government has decided to scrap the fund, sighting budgetary constraints.

However, with the desire to reduce car dependency and drive growth in the economy does re-opening selected railways still form part of the longer-term transport plan for the UK.? And if so, how and what are the practicalities and considerations? Who decides and on what basis? What is the business, social and environmental case? The CILT East Midland Group is delighted to welcome 2 esteemed speakers to an event which will answer three key questions

• What are the challenges with these type of schemes?
• What are their potential?
• How do we progress?

Speakers

David Frankal, Joint Chief Executive at Enroute: An impartial and independent voluntary transport research group. David will discuss how the rail industry advocates for expansion of these schemes with the idea of ‘restoration’ or ‘reconnection’ to build a strategic narrative around schemes.

Stephen Chaytow, Leader of Campaign for The Peak Line: A chartered accountant by trade and a passionate advocate of the plans to restore the Buxton to Matlock rail link in the Peak District.

Competencies:

• TP1.1 Transport Infrastructure and Network Resilience
• TP2.1 Policy Planning for Transport
• PAS2.2 Passenger Transport Ownership, Control, Policies and Legislation