17 June 2024
The Railway Industry Association (RIA) today (17 June) welcomed the news that the UK Government has confirmed funding for TfL to procure 10 new Elizabeth Line trains.
RIA has been campaigning for the Government to make decisions on orders for new and refurbished train fleets for many years. The trade association has published several reports calling for a proactive approach to rolling stock procurement as a pillar of an industrial strategy for rail in addition to championing the issue with MPs.
Commenting on the latest developments Railway Industry Association Chief Executive Darren Caplan said: “It is positive that the UK Government has listened to calls by the Railway Industry Association and other stakeholders and confirmed funding for the procurement of new trains for Transport for London’s Elizabeth Line which will be built at Derby. The news will be welcomed by hundreds of rail businesses of all sizes, factories and jobs across the rail supply chain.
“It is good that the Government specifically acknowledged the strong passenger demand and future rail growth as a reason for confirming this train order. Whoever forms the next Government should heed this call and bring forward the much-needed invitations to tender for new procurements in the medium term across the railway, and listen to industry proposals which have called for a level playing field for manufacturers to bid for the £3.6 billion of upcoming work orders."