Recommendation 3

HM Government Acknowledged

The Government agrees that electrification remains a key tool in the decarbonisation of rail and that long-term clarity is important for industry confidence. However, the Government does not consider that a fixed route- kilometre target, set independently of rolling stock strategy and evolving technology, would represent the most effective or responsible mechanism for achieving that objective. The objective is to progressively decarbonise rail traction in a way that maximises emissions reduction per pound of investment while maintaining service performance and affordability. Electrification will continue to play a central role in achieving this. However, advances in battery and hybrid technology and discontinuous electrification approaches mean that the optimal solution will vary by corridor and network context. The approach needs to be developed around the future delivery of passenger and freight services that match customer needs and considered in the multi-modal context of decarbonising the wider UK transport system. The cost of electrification needs to be brought more closely into line with international best practice through innovation, a review of current standards and working with the supply chain. The Government recognises that previous stop-start approaches to electrification may have contributed to higher unit costs and loss of capability, reinforcing the case for a more continuous and efficient approach in future. A steady programme of electrification works could be an important contributor to driving down cost, as part of the wider Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Strategy, which is carefully considering the case for different traction types and associated supporting infrastructure. The lesson from previous electrification programmes is not simply that continuity matters, but that whole-system integration is essential to achieving efficiency. The forthcoming integrated Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Strategy will provide greater clarity on how fleet replacement cycles, electrification decisions, and alternative traction technologies are aligned over time within a coherent framework. This whole-system approach will provide a long-term view of where electrification and associated infrastructure are expected to be required to deliver sustained and meaningful progress towards decarbonisation, while avoiding rigid targets that may not reflect technological or economic realities over time. Aligning Infrastructure and Rolling Stock Investment Committee recommendations: We welcome the Government’s commitment to publishing a rolling stock strategy in 2026. The strategy must be clearly aligned with the pipeline of both major projects and enhancements, so that decisions about track and about the trains that will run on it can be taken in a timely, coordinated way. It should provide near-term certainty as well as a basis for industry to undertake medium and long term planning and it must be drawn up in collaboration with industry with the explicit intention of avoiding unnecessary peaks and troughs in procurement. Government response: Agree The Department should set out in the Long Term Rail Strategy a clear policy statement on its intention to limit the proliferation of rolling stock types. Within two years, the Department and Great British Railways should define a small number of standard train families for use across the national network, to achieve better value for money and an improved experience for passengers, including through more widespread level boarding. These should be deployed and refreshed over successive procurement cycles. Government response: Agree Summary position: The Government agrees on the need for a rolling stock strategy that is fully aligned with planning and procurement cycles. The forthcoming integrated Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Strategy will address this. The Government recognises the value of greater standardisation, and this Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Strategy, rather than the Long Term Rail Strategy, will set out a vision for simplifying the national fleet over time.