Jamie Wallace and Vedant Walia analyse the risks and opportunities for the UK's rail sector in meeting the challenge of sustainable development, building on our partnership with the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB).

The rail sector has a strong case to make regarding its contribution to the efficient, accessible, reliable, affordable and clean transportation of people and goods, a service that is central to the operation of a modern society and economy. There are signs, however, that despite numerous examples of good practice, the industry has not fully grasped the opportunity to outline a compelling vision for a sustainable railway, and a complementary strategy to deliver it.

This paper suggests that as the Department for Transport develops its new long term strategy and High Level Output Specification (HLOS) documents, there is an excellent window of opportunity for all the principal rail stakeholders to demonstrate a renewed and united commitment to sustainable development.

For more information contact business@forumforthefuture.org.uk

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