Autumn Budget rail investment: Funding welcome, but skills and sustainability challenges remain
The UK rail sector has broadly welcomed the 2024 Autumn Budget’s support for projects like the HS2 extension to Euston and the TransPennine Route Upgrade, marking progress in connectivity. However, industry leaders express concerns about the lack of clarity around fare structures, skills shortages, and climate-resilience measures. In an interview with Citti Magazine, GHD’s Jonathan Edwards, EMEA Market Development Leader, remarks that achieving effective UK transport hinges on sustained investment and substantial reforms to ensure the rail sector can deliver on its economic and social potential.
After the recent uncertainties surrounding HS2, I welcome the government’s commitment to extending the line to Euston. Delivering regional growth and intercity connectivity is essential and pivotal to shaping our country’s future. It is crucial that the government now sticks to this plan and fully commits, with greater control over its delivery. However, the budget did not address how we can go beyond this plan to improve infrastructure across the country. Transport in the UK only works if the rail industry does, and it should start with more radical reform and funding for change and delivery. The chancellor has yet to reassure the industry that transport is at the top of the agenda. We need policy and funding from the government to enable a long-term plan for our critical national infrastructure. The government can’t afford to hit the brakes and must enable the private and public sectors to work at speed to deliver its transport goals.”
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GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 160 offices located on five continents.