Is there a case for rail infrastructure investment after COVID?

Overview

The pandemic has changed human behaviour across many facets of modern life. For some, technology has enabled a shifting trend towards working at home, whilst for others it remains a necessity to continue working at location for certain industries. As the UK unlocks the case for rail infrastructure spend needs to be considered. In such a shifting landscape, what is certain is that capital infrastructure schemes, plus the general operation of the railway, must have a greater resilience against change and unpredictability of ridership trends. To ensure schemes are adequately robust, their business case and design must have a greater degree of flexibility than ever before with focus on optioneering over granular detail.

In this expert panel discussion, Louise Coward from industry research group, Transport Focus, presents findings from its research on people’s travel behaviours and attitudes through the pandemic and presents the ‘user-perspective’ into the discussion. Mike Goggin, UK Managing Director for Steer, and technical advisor to the Williams Rail Review will explore what this may mean on future travel trends post Covid-19 and the demands and requirements that this may place on running a successful railway in the immediate future. Leading UK Economist, and Commissioner for the National Infrastructure Commission, Bridget Rosewell, explores what these trends may mean for the successful operation of the UK railway into the mid-21^st century.

This lecture is hosted by the Department of Transport’s Chief Engineer, David Coles.