Norfolk Chamber recently attended a workshop on developing socio-economic indicators for the upcoming East Anglia rail franchise. The workshop was conducted by the Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB) who are working in partnership with the Rail Executive of the Department for Transport. Together they want to embed the industry’s sustainable development principles into the upcoming new rail franchise.
Discussions centred around the need provide good connectivity between workers and the economic hubs in the region; reliability of services; recognition of regional links i.e. Cambridge, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft etc, as well as the links to London; quality of services both on board the trains and at the stations; and the importance of regular rural rail transport to areas such as North Norfolk.
The workshop also identified that new rolling stock that included wifi, tables and sockets should be standard; more cyclists needed to be accommodated on the trains; the timetable should take into account the night time economy and the influx of tourists into the region; as well as providing good links for both commuters and young people.
Nova Fairbank from Norfolk Chamber who attended the workshop said:
“Improvements to Norfolk’s rail infrastructure have lagged behind the rest of the UK for many years and to ensure Norfolk businesses remain accessible and competitive, we need a faster, more reliable service. As part of this service, the new rail franchise must deliver a higher quality of rolling stock, with more capacity and automatic doors, together with connectivity across Norfolk, the East of England and down to London. An improved rail service will better enable the Norfolk business community to deliver economic growth and jobs.”
You now have the opportunity to have your say by completing a short online survey. The deadline to complete the survey is Thursday 26 March 2015
