Rail Industry Body Highlights Slow Progress on Key Policies Since 2024 Election

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has released its latest six-monthly review of rail policy progress since the Labour government came to power in 2024, noting several areas where it believes development has lagged.

RIA framed its assessment around the five priorities it set out to government ahead of the election and published its evaluation on January 9.

Long-term rail strategy

RIA welcomed the inclusion in the Railways Bill of a statutory requirement for the Department for Transport (DfT) to produce a Long-Term Rail Strategy. However, the association called for a clear publication timeline and a detailed roadmap outlining how the strategy will be developed.

Industry reform

The body said it was encouraged by the passage of the Railways Bill through Parliament and anticipates the creation of Great British Railways (GBR) in 2027. The next significant step, RIA noted, is a consultation on the GBR licence, which it hopes will take place in the first half of 2026.

Accelerating train orders and low-carbon upgrades

RIA and its members praised the DfT’s commitment to publish a long-term rolling stock and infrastructure strategy by summer, highlighting the positive engagement with the supply sector. The association stressed that timely publication is critical, recommending the strategy be released before Parliament recesses on July 16, 2026, to maintain project momentum.

Sustainable supply chain support

A survey commissioned by RIA of more than 100 rail business leaders found widespread concern about the short-term outlook: 85% expect a gap in rail work over the next year, and over 60% anticipate a contracting market, with recruitment freezes or redundancies. The association urged the government to provide clarity on upcoming work pipelines to give suppliers the certainty needed to retain staff and plan investments.

Leveraging private investment

RIA emphasized the importance of attracting private and third-party funding to supplement public investment in the railway. It called on government to publish a clear policy on private investment in rail, including potential pilots such as Station Investment Zones.

RIA Chief Executive Darren Caplan acknowledged that some progress has been made, particularly in advancing rail reform and supporting major projects. However, he warned that significant work remains to be done, particularly for rail suppliers concerned about the 2026 investment outlook for infrastructure and rolling stock. He stressed that while reform is welcome, many improvements cannot wait until GBR is fully operational in 2027.

“Surveys show confidence in the rail market is still fragile,” Caplan said. “Action this year is crucial to protect the supply sector and ensure customers and taxpayers get the best value, especially as rail contributes to the government’s economic growth priorities.”

RIA plans to publish a full annual assessment to coincide with the government’s second anniversary in July 2026.