CILT supports Shaw report

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has welcomed Nicola Shaw’s report on the future of Network Rail and its key recommendations, and advises that the way proposals are implemented would be fundamental to the continued success of rail freight and of cross boundary passenger services.

The Institute supports the emphasis that has been placed on putting passengers’ and freight shippers’ needs at the heart of rail infrastructure management. The Institute also supports the proposed balance between deeper route devolution and the retention of core System Authority functions at the centre; and agreed there is a need for greater clarity on the role of Government and of other organisations participating within the complex railway industry structure.

CILT also welcomed the recognition that appropriate skills need to be fostered within the sector to meet the challenges of growth and of technical innovation.

Daniel Parker-Klein, Head of Policy, CILT said: ‘We fully support the objective to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of Network Rail and the further devolution of accountability to operate, maintain and renew infrastructure to Routes should be an effective way of achieving this. It is, however, essential that implementation of the new structure protects the interests of cross boundary services and their customers.

‘The ability to run across all Routes in a coordinated manner is a significant issue for passenger service operation and is crucial for freight. We welcome the proposals for a 'virtual' Freight Route and a Freight CEO to provide a focus for freight customers and operators.

‘CILT supports the return to a more customer-focused financing model for Network Rail, with revenues flowing through train operators, as this should promote the benefits usually associated with normal market incentives, notwithstanding that the franchise regime is currently sustained by public funding. We agree with the analysis in the report on the relative merits of possible future funding and financing options and the overall cautious conclusions.’

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/18032016/cilt-supports-shaw-report-720/