Mayors and devolved authorities must have 'central role in local rail services'

Mayors and devolved authorities must have a central role in the running of local rail services in the forthcoming Rail Reform Bill, to ensure rail complements local plans for growth, housing, skills and the environment, according to a new report.

The report - Harnessing the opportunity of our local railways – sets out the case for a new, meaningful role for devolved leaders and authorities in the railways, one which ensures decisions on local rail are made close to the communities they serve, whilst supporting local and national policy missions.

The foundations are:

1. Protect and build on what has already been achieved on greater devolution of railway decision making and delivery.

2. Bring decision making on rail as close as possible to the communities served, ensuring alignment with wider local ambitions.

3. Create a menu of options for engagement, influence and control.

4. Unlock local rail funding and investment levers.

5. Ensure accountability.

6. Allow time for transition.

Report author Rebecca Fuller is Assistant Director at the Urban Transport Group. She writes: "Ensuring these foundations underpin forthcoming rail reforms will play an important role in setting us on a pathway to a brighter transport future. One which holds passengers at its heart and maximises synergies with wider policy ambitions at local and national level, through empowered local partnerships and continuing devolution.

"Under each foundation, we propose a series of recommendations that will enable local leaders to have a meaningful role. We also explore some of the key areas that MCAs and Mayors will wish to have an influence over – timetabling; fares and ticketing; passenger experience and standards; stations and land; and network development."

Says Jason Prince, Director, Urban Transport Group: "The Government's commitment to rail reform, combined with the proven benefits of devolution and integration, offers a once-in-a-generation chance to create a railway system that truly works - a moment to embrace the spirit of innovation that has always defined this industry and to be positive about what reform can do to ensure that the railway flourishes.

"I  hope this report - published ahead of the introduction of the Rail Reform Bill – contributes to our understanding of the value of our railways and how they can be better shaped to deliver much more."