Pipeline visibility

A steady and visible pipeline for rail infrastructure saves taxpayers money. Changing plans often increases overall costs, especially if done at short notice or in a piecemeal way. A visible pipeline of work for the supply chain gives businesses the confidence needed to invest in both innovation and capacity. Government must recognise the contribution of rail to UK Plc., to increase productivity and economic growth in rail.

Key Asks:

• Provide certainty and clarity, and the supply chain will grow productivity. In practice, this means:
  - Publish the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline now.
  - Implement rolling programmes of work to deliver productivity, value for money, and retention of skills.
  - Agree a minimum level of volumes, around which suppliers can intelligently anticipate a certain level of variation.
  - Let frameworks run across control periods.
  - Publish the rolling stock franchise schedule and use techniques such as framework procurements with options for follow on orders.
• Recognise the contribution of rail to UK Plc, and the supply chain will grow both domestic and export capabilities. The UK market can be made more attractive by:
  - Providing certainty and clarity (see 1 above).
  - Be ambitious and grow the rail sector in the UK to deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits all over the UK.
  - Consider opportunities for private investment in rail infrastructure.