Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Accepted
Define standard train families for the national network to limit rolling stock proliferation.
Recommendation
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. (Recommendation, Paragraph 92) 52 Insulating the pipeline from instability
Government Response Summary
The government agrees that the national train fleet needs to be simplified to help achieve better value for money, easier redeployment of fleet around the network and provide a more consistent and high-quality experience for passengers and the Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Whole System Strategy will set out our vision for how this could be achieved as fleets get replaced and refurbished over time.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Agree The Government agrees with the Committee’s emphasis on integration. Fragmentation of planning and procurement has historically contributed to inefficiencies and misalignment between infrastructure capability and rolling stock deployment. We are, therefore, not waiting for reform to complete before taking steps to ensure that these decisions are considered together rather than sequentially. Work is already underway with operators and delivery partners on upcoming fleet replacement programmes to ensure that infrastructure requirements are considered from the outset. We agree that the national train fleet needs to be simplified to help achieve better value for money, easier redeployment of fleet around the network and provide a more consistent and high-quality experience for passengers. The Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Whole System Strategy will set out our vision for how this could be achieved as fleets get replaced and refurbished over time. We have a bold vision for a more accessible and welcoming railway and are already working with NR on the infrastructure implications if all new trains were built to be level with the platform, as can be seen on some greater Anglia services. The establishment of GBR will further embed this integration by consolidating strategic planning functions within a single guiding framework, reducing the risk of siloed decision-making and enhancing system-wide efficiency and effectiveness. This integrated approach is expected to reduce whole-life costs, avoid stranded assets and give suppliers greater confidence in future demand.