Train manufacturers to be questioned on ending boom and bust in the rail supply sector
The Transport Committee continues its Rail investment pipelines inquiry by questioning UK-based manufacturers of rolling stock, including Alstom and Siemens, as well as rolling stock financiers.
Meeting details
In this inquiry, the cross-party Committee is investigating how developing long-term, transparent and sequenced plans – or pipelines – could bring certainty and security to the ecosystem of companies that commission and deliver improvements to the UK’s railways.
The inquiry was launched last year in light of repeated calls from industry for government support, and following concerns for the future of Alstom’s rolling stock factory in Derby, which shone a light on the insecure ‘boom and bust’ nature of the rail supply industry.
In this session, witnesses from the train manufacturers are likely to be asked how government policy could provide greater certainty, boost confidence in the sector and encourage investment and innovation, particularly in the context of plans to establish Great British Railways and renationalise passenger services.
There may be questions about different financing models to achieve better value for money, as well as about ways to improve recruitment and retention in the workforce.