This conference looks at the next steps for reform of the rail system in Britain.

Areas for discussion include priorities for:

• improvement of services and reliability for passengers
• modernisation and management of infrastructure
• opportunities for innovation and decarbonisation of the rail network

It takes place in the context of the development of the 2023 Periodic Review (PR23), which will decide the level of funding available for infrastructure operations within Control Period 7 (CP7), as well as the development of Great British Railways (GBR) – as well as against a backdrop of planned industrial action affecting services over the Summer.

It will be a timely opportunity to discuss:

• the transition to Great British Railways
• progress of CP6, and priorities for CP7 and PR23
• infrastructure development and priorities for tackling challenges for connectivity
• modernisation of rail services, innovation in rail, and investment
• safety, reliable services for passengers, new choices for the public, and progress in getting passengers back on trains post-pandemic
• policy priorities for the future of the rail network, and the network’s role in supporting economic growth following the publication of the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Christian Irwin, Rail Investment Centre of Excellence Director; Liz Thornhill, General Counsel, Office of Rail and Road; Chris White-Horne, Programme Director, Rail Transformation Programme, Department for Transport; and Anit Chandarana, Lead Director, Great British Railways Transition Team – as well as contributions from AECOM; Burges Salmon; Liverpool City Council; Logistics UK; London Travel Watch; Mott MacDonald; Oxera; Rail Safety and Standards Board; RIA North; and South Western Railway.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from DfT; ORR; BEIS; Rail Transformation Programme; Transport Scotland; and the UKSA.