Region collaborates to influence the future of rail
Senior partners came together in Colchester to chart the future of the region’s rail network – ensuring it delivers for passengers and businesses and helps the East to thrive.
Hosted by Transport East at Colchester Town Hall on 20 November, the Future of Rail event brought together rail industry directors, local politicians, and transport partners from across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, as well as representatives from national bodies.
The event focused on how the region can collaborate to shape a rail network fit for the future – one that supports economic growth, connects a growing population, and informs the ambitions of the incoming mayors for Norfolk and Suffolk, and Greater Essex.
Delegates explored what the return to public ownership of rail means for the East, discussed how local leadership can make the most of these changes, and shared their priorities for a future rail network – including better integration with other transport modes, communities and wider service enhancements.
Insights gathered from the event will inform advice to new Mayors for both Greater Essex and Norfolk & Suffolk – helping to ensure that, from day one, the region’s new Mayors can champion the East’s rail priorities.
The event was kindly supported by Greater Anglia, c2c and the Rail Freight Group.
Will Quince, Chair of Transport East, said:
“Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this fantastic event. The East has a clear, united voice on the importance of rail, and this event demonstrated the depth of expertise and ambition within our partnership. By working together, we can shape a network that truly serves our growing communities and economy.
“The insight we’ve gathered will be shared with the incoming mayors for Norfolk and Suffolk, and Greater Essex – so they are ready, from day one, to champion investment and improvements that deliver for the East.”
Jamie Burles, Network Rail’s Deputy Managing Director for the Eastern Region, said:
“We were delighted to join Transport East’s event, which brought together partners committed to improving rail for our region. Collaboration is key on our journey to Great British Railways, and we will continue working closely as a route and region to deliver a safe, reliable, and high performing railway that best serves our communities.”
Pam Cox, MP for Colchester and Co-Chair for the East of England APPG, said:
“Rail has been a key part of Colchester’s story for nearly two centuries, with our strong rail links to London, Suffolk and Norfolk supporting local prosperity and have helped to make Colchester a vibrant and well-connected place to live, work and visit. With Greater Anglia and c2c now in public ownership they have a bright future ahead as part of Great British Railways.
“As one of the fastest-growing regions in the UK, the East is central to our nation’s future success – driving innovation, clean energy, and trade. Continued investment in our rail network is essential to grow these ambitions, support new homes and communities, and strengthen our links to ports, airports and key employment hubs. By working together across the region, we can make sure rail continues to be a driver of opportunity and growth for future generations.”
Photos
Please click here to view photos from the day
Presentations from the event
- Anglia Integrated Railway – Network Rail
- The future of rail – Transport East
- Beaulieu Park Station, Unlocking Growth – Essex County Council
- Integrating East West Rail, Maximising the benefits of Government’s investment – England’s Economic Heartland
- Community Rail. Connecting People, Places and Opportunities – Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership