Why we need rail

An independent report commissioned by TSSA and written by Dr ]on Shaw of the Centre for Transport Policy at The Robert Gordon University makes a compelling case for rail in the context of the Government's 10-year transport plan.

The report's key conclusions are:

• Rail should play a central role in the 10.
  
  
• Investment in the rail will contribute to achieving the Government's three intended strategic outcomes of social inclusion, a healthy society and tackling congestion.
  
  
• Investment in new rail infrastructure can provide better value for money than building new roads for journeys to and within urban areas.
  
  
• The privatised rail industry will require public financial support for some of its plans.
  
  
• The industry should communicate its improved investment record to policy-makers and the public to help convince them that rail investment is a credible option.
  

Ministers, the SRA and the rail industry need all the help they can get at this critical time to counter the exaggerated claims of the roads lobby and this report provides cogent support for promoting the cause of rail.