In December 2021, GBRTT, alongside DfT, launched a call for evidence to gather insight and data on its proposed 30-year Whole Industry Strategic Plan (the “WISP”). This follows the publication of the Williams-Shapps Plan For Rail (the “Plan for Rail”) in May 2021. GBRTT has now published a report on the 307 responses it received from a range of stakeholders across the rail industry. 

The call for evidence was developed around five key objectives:

• meeting customer needs;
• delivering financial sustainability;
• contributing to economic growth;
• supporting levelling up and connectivity; and
• delivering environmental sustainability.

A summary report of the responses is available here, and the full report is available here.

Common themes 

In addition to the objectives listed above, some common themes were highlighted by the responses:

• the role of rail in the decarbonisation of the wider transport network;
• the need to improve accessibility and the service offered to customers;
• the importance of rail’s role in levelling up;
• the need for much greater efficiency; and
• the need for better integration of rail with other transport modes.

Summary of findings

It was noted that whilst there was general support for the 30-year scope and objectives of the WISP, there is inherent uncertainty with having such a long-term outlook. Additionally, there was strong support for improved monitoring and assessment of customer needs, with a recognition that current costs are high and that there must be improved connectivity between national and regional economic centres.

The need for greater data transparency and use of technology was also emphasised. This aligns with DfT’s proposal for a new Rail Data Marketplace, which was discussed briefly in the recently launched consultation on the legislative reform required to implement the Plan for Rail (DfT launches new consultation on legislation for rail reform (burges-salmon.com)).

Going forward

GBRTT acknowledges that this call for evidence is an early step in the formulation of the WISP, but that it is both important and valuable to involve a broad range of stakeholders at this stage. GBRTT further acknowledges that regular and consistent engagement over the remainder of this year will be crucial in the development of the WISP, the implementation of the Plan for Rail and the successful establishment of Great British Railways.