Business and passenger groups have welcomed the launch of a ‘landmark’ new plan for the future of Britain’s railways which promises better journeys and £85Bn of additional economic benefits as the country prepares to leave the European Union.

 

The plan, named ‘In Partnership for Britain’s Prosperity’, sees Network Rail, its suppliers and train companies come together in a pledge to deliver four key commitments for change.

 

This comes after the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling revealed in October that Network Rail will have £48Bn to spend on rail infrastructure during its next funding period from 2019 to 2024.

 

The first commitment in the new plan is to strengthen the railway’s contribution to the economy, including the delivery of £11.6Bn of private sector investment over the next decade to bolster Government funding.

 

The industry also plans to increase customer satisfaction by providing 6400 extra services per week by 2021 and allowing customers to use mobile phones as tickets on 70% of journeys by the end of 2018. An independent ombudsman for the rail industry is also set to be fully operational by next summer.

 

The third commitment is to boost local communities through localised decision making and investment and the fourth is to create more jobs, increase diversity and provide rail sector employees with rewarding careers.

 

“This plan will accelerate change and deliver further investment, bringing more improvements for passengers, communities and businesses across Britain now and in the long term,” said Network Rail’s chief executive Mark Carne.

 

Also commenting, passenger watchdog Transport Focus’s chief executive Anthony Smith said: “Passengers’ priorities are reliable, punctual journeys that offer good value for money. They will welcome plans that will help deliver this for them.”

 

British Chambers of Commerce director general Dr Adam Marshall said: “A strong railway network is critical to the success of business communities all across Britain. Rail connects businesses to opportunities, individuals to jobs and freight to customers. Businesses absolutely agree that the public and private sectors need to be working together to deliver better, more reliable rail services now and into the future.”

 

Federation of Small Businesses national chairman Mike Cherry added: “With Brexit on the horizon, the commitments in this plan should be good news for small businesses up and down the country that rely on rail.”