Western Gateway Rail Strategy 2020-2040
Western Gateway STB is pleased to present its Rail Strategy 2020 – 2040 which sets out the outcomes that it is seeking from the rail network provider and explains the need for change based on a review of policy, challenges and trends.
A thorough review of the Western Gateway rail priorities has been undertaken and the strategy explores the region’s vision, objectives and priorities, and develops a series of ambitious outcomes called Conditional Outputs which are grouped under five themes of Choice, Social Mobility, Decarbonisation, Productivity and Growth. Each theme and its objective is explained below:
- Theme 1 – Choice: Seeks to make rail the mode of choice across the Western Gateway and the objective for theme 1 is to make rail a realistic and viable option for journeys to and from within the Western Gateway area.
- Theme 2 – Decarbonisation: Acknowledges that rail will be a positive contributor to the Climate Change Emergency, Net Zero targets and the national decarbonisation agenda. The objective for theme 2 is to enable rail to contribute more actively towards the decarbonisation of the Western Gateway.
- Theme 3 – Social Mobility: Focusses specifically on addressing the needs of the remote, less connected and/or deprived parts of the Western Gateway, with the priorities set to unlock access to rail including physical, social and financial aspects. The objective for theme 3 is to provide equal journey opportunities by rail for all Western Gateway residents.
- Theme 4 – Productivity: Found to be a key policy consideration and the core message from the Industrial Strategy. The objective for theme 4 is to enable rail to contribute more actively to improvements in productivity across the Western Gateway.
- Theme 5 – Growth: Addresses the importance of the link between housing and industrial growth as identified in each council’s Local Plan and transport policy. This theme is also directly linked to all the other four themes due to alignment with land use and planning policy and aims to provide sustainable travel options for people and businesses across the Western Gateway. The objective for theme 5 is to enable rail to provide sustainable travel options for housing and job growth across Western Gateway.
The strategy highlights 23 Conditional Outputs (CO’s) which set out the ambition for rail and addresses the need for change in the Western Gateway region and sets out six route maps to follow to implement this strategy.
The delivery of the Western Gateway Rail Strategy Conditional Outputs has been structured into five cross-industry categories to deliver, monitor and evaluate the route maps between 2020 – 2040 to ensure that investment is prioritised and targeted to make a tangible difference to residents, businesses and visitors to the Western Gateway area. These categories and the Conditional Outputs include:
- Strategic Planning
- Digital Solutions
- Stations and Access to rail
- Freight
- Future ready and resilience.
The below table outlines the five cross-industry categories and the conditional outputs:
“I believe the need for change is clearly explained in this document and the base line conditions of existing services are equally well defined. I am very grateful for the support provided by Network Rail in developing this strategy and their commitment to continue close partnership working as we take the strategy forward.”
Western Gateway STB Chair Cllr Bridget Wayman from Wiltshire Council
WSP was commissioned by Western Gateway to develop a Rail Strategy for the region. Despite the current difficulties during these unprecedented times, the Rail Strategy was developed in close partnership and with a significant input from industry stakeholders. Input from our constituent authorities, Network Rail, Train Operating Companies and Freight Operating Companies stakeholders was carried out through a mixture of physical workshops and interviews and digitally led e-consultations and an e-workshop.
“We’re delighted to have been part of the process of developing and delivering this strategy which will transform the future of rail in the Western Gateway area. Communities across the West of England will benefit from this strategy which will help meet the region’s net-zero targets, enhance social mobility and make rail the transport mode of choice.”
Katherine Bright, WSP, Director – Transport Planning
The Rail Strategy presents an ambitious yet deliverable vision for making rail a vital part of a sustainable transport network both within Western Gateway and across to its neighbouring authorities which has the support of all stakeholders who have been involved in its production. Western Gateway will soon be working on its Strategic Transport Plan 2025 – 2050 and this Rail Strategy will be an integral part of the document.
Photo credit: Nigel Jarvis \ Shutterstock.com
