The Railway Industry Association’s (RIA) Rail Enhancements Clock, which records the amount of time since the Government last updated its Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline (RNEP), has passed 800 days.
The RNEP is a list of planned upgrades and improvements to the rail network, which the Government promised to publish annually.
With now 800 days passing – more than two years – since the list was last published, rail suppliers have little visibility of upcoming work, making it harder for them to plan, invest and support jobs and economic growth.
Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: “Another milestone has been reached this week, with 800 days now being passed since the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline was last published, despite the Government saying this would take place annually.“
This list of rail upgrades is crucial for rail suppliers, providing them with the visibility they need on upcoming work to invest and plan, but also to support jobs and economic growth, and deliver an enhanced, value-for-money railway, for the country.“
As we now approach a New Year, we urge the Government to publish the list as soon as possible. This clarity would cost little to Government, but would be hugely beneficial to rail suppliers, both large and small, who are currently in the dark when it comes to not only planning their resources for the year ahead but also how their businesses can help support the Government’s agenda to build back better and level-up the UK.”
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