Investment in rail remains a key part of the UK’s transport investment strategy as demand for extra passenger and freight services continues to grow. Capacity enhancements costing some £7.6 billion, many already in progress, are a central element of Network Rail’s of £28.5 billion spending plans up to 2014. And work is already under way to determine where investments will be made beyond 2014.
Transport for London’s Crossrail – considered Europe’s largest infrastructure project – remains on track, promising to revolutionise travel across the capital, especially between the key economic hubs of Heathrow Airport and the City of London. Work also continues on the £5.5 billion Thameslink scheme and on modernisation of the London Underground system. All provide key business opportunities for suppliers.
In the longer term, with rail favoured over air for links between larger metropolitan centres, high-speed lines and electrification are poised to further stimulate the supply market.
The opportunities open to the rail industry are huge. But in a tight economic environment, investments will come under close scrutiny to ensure they deliver value for money. That poses new challenges to suppliers to develop and deliver the products and services that will ensure cost-effective growth of the network.
And there is no better event than Railtex for the supply industry to present its response to these challenges. With an organising team that draws on more than 20 years’ experience in organising successful rail technology events, Railtex continues to act as an essential shop window for suppliers and buyers – and increasingly as a forum for the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
Make sure that your company is part of the UK’s leading rail event.