We want to grow the role of rail in sustainable development
Securing a safe, sustainable rail network
Improving the environment
Strengthening our social fabricDriving a dynamic economy
We aim to achieve our goal by working with others over the next 25 years to:
• Continue improving passenger satisfaction - to at least 90%
• Carry twice as many passengers as today, more quickly and better integrated
• Put the railways on a more sustainable financial footing
• Deliver services that are among the most reliable and safe in Europe
• Help Britain tackle climate change by moving towards a 50% cut in CO2 emissions in the longer term
Securing a safe, sustainable rail network
Rail has a good green record but cannot be complacent
Securing a safe, sustainable rail network
• Rail CO2 emissions < 1 % of UK total and rail's carbon footprint has fallen by around a third since 1990.
• Average rail CO2/pass kms = 50% of cars and 25% domestic air
• But forecast demand growth will put pressure on total rail emissions
• Car technology set to erode rail’s green advantage in future decades
• Room to improve rail local environmental impacts
Reducing rail’s own carbon footprint
• Rolling programme of electrification beyond recent announcements + decarbonisation of UK power
• More extensive energy efficiency eg reducing transmission losses
• Potentially second generation biofuels
• Tackling station and depot emissions (10% of total)
Securing a safe, sustainable rail network
Accrington station
Helping to cut transport’s carbon footprint
• Growing rail’s market share by playing to its market strengths
• Increasing rail’s attraction by improving its VfM
• Integration through– Ticketing initiatives– Better information– Improved physical links
Securing a safe, sustainable rail network
High Speed Rail has a contribution to make
• HSR can be as energy-efficient as intercity trains (capacity + load + ops + design)
• Power de-carbonisation can improve HSR carbon performance further
• Scope for mode shift away from domestic air and cars
• Overall impact of HS2 broadly neutral (Govt estimated saving of 4.6m tonnes)
• Need to resolve HS2 issues of funding and local impact
Securing a safe, sustainable rail network
Other environmental issues
• Noise - industry working with government on cost- effective and proportionate solutions
• Air quality - New/re-engineered stock has less polluting engines and the switch to low sulphur diesel in 2012 will reduce pollutant emissions
• Waste - Many TOCs recycle on train/station/depot waste as matter of course
Securing a safe, sustainable rail network
Industry reform agenda also supports rail’s green agenda
Securing a safe, sustainable rail network
Targeted, sustained investmentneed to keep investing in network and train capacity as demand continues to grow
Smarter fares policymore flexible approach to fund investment, reduce taxpayer support and make better use of capacity
Conclusion
• Rail is integral to a sustainable transport network and continues to have much to offer
• Welcome vote of confidence in rail by this Government (CSR) and all main parties (HSR)
• No cause for complacency: electrification, energy efficiency, modal shift
• Wider reform agenda can help support continued improvement in rail's green credentials
Securing a safe, sustainable rail network