FOLLOW RIA
RIA Technical Director David Clarke and Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines speaking to young people in front of Porterbrook's HydroFLEX train in Glasgow.
On Transport Day at COP26, the Railway Industry Association (RIA) has highlighted the capability of the UK rail industry to deliver a green railway system for passengers, as two net zero trains welcome political and industry leaders in Glasgow. Vivarail’s battery train (picuted below) and Porterbrook’s HydroFLEX hydrogen train (pictured above) have been on display during the Climate Conference, welcoming senior delegations on board. This includes Prime Minister Boris Johnson who today (Wednesday 10 November) visited the trains at Glasgow Central Station. On Tuesday 9 November, RIA also held a Trailblazers networking event on Vivarail’s battery train – an initiative that aims to encourage new entrants and support young professionals in the industry.
“We were delighted to see the Prime Minister join senior leaders in visiting Vivarail and Porterbrook’s net zero trains in Glasgow. It is huge credit the teams involved in both projects, which demonstrate the capabilities the UK has to reach a net zero transport system. “This week has shown that the industry stands ready to deliver clean rail travel for passengers across the UK. As RIA’s RailDecarb21 campaign has called for, it is now over to Government to commit to a programme to electrify the UK’s railways and fleet orders of battery and hydrogen trains. “It was also fantastic to host our Trailblazers reception on board Vivarail’s battery train, an event which aims to promote young professionals in the sector. We would like to say a huge thank you to Vivarail for hosting us.”
Attendees at RIA's Trailblazers event in front of Vivarail's battery train.
See more about Prime Minister Boris Johnson's visit to the Vivarail and Porterbrook trains here
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