RIA welcomes Midlands Connect regional transport strategy

The Railway Industry Association (RIA), the voice of the UK rail supply community, has welcomed the launch of Midlands Connect's 'Strategic Transport Plan for the Midlands', which sets out a vision for the future of the region's transport system and the economic growth it will support.

Max Sugarman, RIA Midlands & Eastern Lead, said:

"This Strategy is very welcome in setting out how we can level up the Midlands through transport investment, including in rail.

"Getting on with the Midlands Rail Hub, rolling out electrification and battery and hydrogen trains, and making the most out of HS2 will all deliver a more economically vibrant region, supporting jobs and investment in the Midlands and across the whole UK." 

1. See the announcement from Midlands Connect here.
2. About RIA Midlands & Eastern: RIA Midlands & Eastern is the voice of the rail supply community in the Midlands and East of England, representing RIA members across the region. Rail in the Midlands supports £5.4bn in economic growth (GVA), 102,700 jobs and £1.6bn in tax revenue and is an essential industry in delivering the Government's build back better, decarbonisation and levelling-up agendas. 
3. About RIA: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. RIA has 300+ companies in membership in a sector that contributes £43 billion in economic growth and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 710,000 people. It is also a vital industry for the UK’s economic recovery, supporting green investment and jobs in towns and communities across the UK; for every £1 spent in rail, £2.50 is generated in the wider economy. 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). www.riagb.org.uk