A future for rail

Transport policy and the railways in particular are moving rapidly up the political agenda. There is now a near-universal consensus that the Tory privatisation of the railways was a disaster. But it is also becoming clear that the Labour government has yet to find a lasting solution to the problems this legacy has created.

The logic of the situation, as revealed by pragmatic responses such as Network Rail’s recent decision to bring maintenance back “in house”, appears to point toward a progressive re-integration of the industry under public ownership. There is mounting evidence that the fragmentation of the industry and multiplication of commercial interfaces is a key factor in escalating costs. But there is no widely accepted or agreed route-map towards extending public ownership further, nor is it clear that the political will yet exists to take this process to its logical conclusion should that be required.

Against this background Catalyst is launching a major research project on the future of the railways, the main components of which will be:

• analysis of the current structures and funding/financing of the railway industry since privatisation
  
  
• the record of privatisation in terms of delivery for passengers and value for money
  
  
• options for extension of public ownership and integration with consequent benefits to passengers and taxpayer
  
  
• the economic, social, environmental case for rail and options for expanding the railway

The project is being launched in July 2004 with the publication of an initial Working Paper reviewing the current situation and setting out the key issues and options. Further research, publications and events will continue through the second half of the year with publication of a final report in early 2005.

Feedback, ideas and offers of intellectual contribution will be welcomed at all stages. For more information or to get involved please contact the Catalyst office on 020 7733 2111 or email [email protected]

This project is being undertaken with the generous support of and in close cooperation with the joint rail unions – ASLEF, RMT and TSSA.