Rail Industry responds to news that HS2 will support 15,000 jobs in the next 18 months

Responding to the announcement that HS2 will support some 15,000 jobs in the next 18 months, and double that in the coming years, Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association said:

“It is clear that UK railways will make a major contribution to UK plc, both its economy and connectivity, in the years ahead. This exciting news from HS2 shows that major infrastructure projects don’t just enhance the rail network for its customers – whether passengers or freight – but they also provide a huge boost to jobs and GVA in local economies and around the country.

“The rail supply community is already actively working on HS2 and we stand ready – working in partnership with HS2 Ltd, the Government and all rail industry members and stakeholders – to deliver even more for this transformational project in the months and years ahead.”

1. The HS2 announcement can be found here. 
2. About RIA: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the trade association for UK-based suppliers to the UK and world-wide railways. It has some 200 companies in membership, in a growing industry with the number of rail journeys expected to double over the next 25 years and freight set to grow significantly too. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). RIA works to promote the importance of the rail system to UK plc, to help export UK expertise around the globe and to share best practice and innovation across the industry.