Forum Brief: Rail research

A new centre for Railway Systems Research is to be established.

Rail Research UK will work alongside others in the industry with the aim of creating a world-class rail system.

Forum Response: Transport and Salaried Staffs Association

Frank Ward, policy adviser at the TSSA, told ePolitix.com: "The government has rightly identified a pressing need for medium and long-term research to allow the rail industry to grow and meet the challenges it faces.

"The TSSA welcomes this development as one that can help bridge the gap between the need for quality research and the actual research undertaken within the industry in recent years. We hope it will also deliver more focus on strategic management and planning."

Forum Response: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Peter Hedges, programme manager for infrastructure and environment at EPSRC, said: "This exciting initiative will bring together top research teams who are involved in all aspects of the rail system from track to trains and passengers to policy for the future.

"We hope Rail Research UK will become a valued source of innovative thinking for the railway industry."