Update Spring 2019
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Landmark RIA report shows electrification can be delivered for less than half the cost RIA Technical Director and report author David Clarke with Transport Select Committee Chair Lilian Greenwood MP & RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan at a Parliamentary roundtable on electrification
Rail electrification can be, and is being, delivered for less than half the cost of some past projects, according to a landmark new Electrification Cost Challenge Report, written by RIA. Published on 14 March, the report sets out why costs have risen on some previous electrification projects, but also highlights best practice on schemes currently being delivered both in the UK and internationally. It calls for lessons to be implemented from past schemes and for the Government to implement a ten-year rolling programme of electrification, in order to build up capability within the supply chain. The report responds to a recommendation from last years’ Transport Select Committee inquiry into rail infrastructure
RIA signs partnership with Australasian Railway Association RIA has signed a new partnership with the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), leading to greater co-operation and collaboration between the two industries. The agreement will see: • The exchanging of information linked to research and innovation (not IP protected) undertaken in either country; • Sharing and exchanging information and approaches relating to skill needs, training and the attraction of career aspirants to the rail industry; [continued on page 7]
Left to right: Sydney Trains Chief Executive Howard Collins OBE; ARA Chairman Bob Herbert; Exports Director Neil Walker; and Michael Ward, HM Consul General.
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investment, which called for the Government to work with RIA and Network Rail to ‘produce a report on cost-effective electrification within 12 months [September 2019]’. RIA is now working with both to deliver on this recommendation. The report received strong support from the rail industry, the media and politicians, including from Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines. It was also discussed at a Parliamentary roundtable on 27 March. [More on page 4]
Rail Sector Deal – Recruitment of a new Programme Manager The RSG is recruiting a new Programme Manager to support and co-ordinate the delivery of the Rail Sector Deal. The role involves coordinating the Sector Deal’s various workstreams and ensuring appropriate and timely reporting of progress to the RSG. It is envisaged that the successful candidate will be able to work on Sector Deal activity at least three days per week; and whilst s/he may be drawn from the rail industry, when in post s/he needs to remain independent and to allocate activity time with the various parties according to the needs of delivering the Sector Deal. To find out more and see the job description, please contact ria@riagb.org.uk. Candidates should send their CV and a cover letter by COP 9 April to RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan (darren. caplan@riagb.org.uk) and RDG Planning, Engineering & Operations Director Mark Gaynor (mark.gaynor@ raildeliverygroup.com).
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RIA Innovation Conference sees record attendance The RIA Innovation Conference, which took place on 19-20 March saw nearly 300 delegates attend, for two days of fascinating talks, workshops, seminars and networking. Keynote speakers included Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Mark Thurston and South Western Railways Managing Director Andy Mellors, as well as a number of leading figures from both within the rail industry, and from other sectors. A Special Report on the Innovation Conference can be found on page 10.
A packed hall for the RIA Innovation Conference at Telford International Centre.
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