Edinburgh hosted the first major event which will help shape the future of Britain’s railways on Tuesday 5 July, focusing on views and experiences from across Scotland.
Interested parties from across Scotland gathered at Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, to participate in discussions on how the rail sector can best meet the challenges ahead.
The all day event covered big issues for passengers and taxpayers including improving train performance, dealing with overcrowding and reducing rail costs in Scotland and across the rest of Britain.
The Office of Rail Regulation will host four consultation events – Edinburgh is the first in the series – which form a vital part of ORR’s Periodic Review (known as PR13).
The Periodic Review is ORR’s assessment of what Network Rail must achieve from 2014 to the end of the decade and the funding, as well as the incentives, needed to deliver.
ORR Chief Executive Richard Price said:
“I am delighted to be in Edinburgh for the first of ORR’s consultation events on shaping the future of the railways.
“This is a critical time in the development of the rail industry – with latest figures showing increasing passenger numbers in Scotland, and key investment and funding decisions to be taken.
“It is critical that Scottish views, on the future of Scotland’s railways, and on the network across Britain as a whole, are heard loud and clear. That is why I am here today.”
Talking about ORR’s periodic review, Richard Price added:
“There is much to be proud of in Britain’s railways. Statistics show that Britain has one of the safest railways in Europe and that passenger satisfaction is at its highest level since records began. But more needs to be done to drive further improvements.
“ORR’s Periodic Review presents a real opportunity to help ensure that the right incentives are in place to help deliver a better railway for passengers and taxpayers in Scotland – one that is safer, more reliable, better value for money, and which helps to strengthen our economy.
“I encourage all those who are interested to participate to help achieve these aims.”
