Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Speaker:
Robert Cook.
Policy Director.
Rail Industry Association.
Keynote address: Delivering rail reforms – key priorities and next steps for navigating a new industry landscape
09:40 to
10:05
- The latest updates on the Rail Reform Bill – how will policy changes be implemented?
- Bringing franchised passenger services into public ownership by October 2027 – where are we now?
- How will the new framework support more reliable, efficient, and accessible journeys?
Speaker:
Joe Hickey.
Deputy Director, Rail Reform.
Department for Transport.
The progress with establishing Great British Railways – moving from a fragmented model to a single direct organisation
10:05 to
10:30
- Plans and timelines for GBR – how should the sector prepare for this transition?
- How will GBR be designed and what will be its new responsibilities?
- Aligning track and train – how will this be achieved?
- The future of fares under GBR – ensuring the railway is more affordable and delivers value for money
Speaker:
Rob Mullen.
Managing Director.
c2c Railway.
Regulating a reformed rail sector
10:30 to
10:55
Speaker:
Liz Thornhill.
General Counsel.
Office of Rail and Road.
Morning refreshments
10:55 to
11:25
Panel discussion: How will the rail sector evolve through major reforms? Policy implications and what is needed to build confidence across the industry
11:25 to
12:10
- Understanding the potential benefits and risks of uniting the network
- Who will lead future investment and what role will third parties play?
- Are reforms doing enough to providing certainty for the sector and supply chains?
- The future of open access – what will this look like under GBR?
Speakers:
Steve Knights.
Head of Commercial Growth.
c2c Railway.
Ruth Humphrey.
Head of Business Development and Strategy UK.
Siemens Mobility.
Adam Terry.
Deputy Director.
The Future Governance Forum.
Delivering a greener and more sustainable railway – the progress with decarbonisation
12:10 to
12:35
- The latest on traction decarbonisation – crucial insight on hybrid fleets, alternative fuels, and hydrogen
- Plans for electrification across the UK – where is electrification being delivered?
- What does reform mean for decarbonisation and rolling stock?
Speaker:
Professor Stuart Hillmansen.
Professor in Railway Traction Systems.
University of Birmingham.
Networking lunch
12:35 to
13:35
Panel discussion: The role of devolution in unlocking faster delivery of rail infrastructure and improved passenger outcomes
13:35 to
14:20
- Delivering the rail infrastructure needed and better services through increased local decision-making
- Aligning greater devolved powers with the national network plans and development
- How will GBR work with devolved combined authorities?
- Progress and outcomes of the Integrated Transport Plan – delivering improved rail connectivity and a joined up journey
Speakers:
Tom Painter.
General Manager; Head of Rail.
West Midlands Rail Executive; Transport for West Midlands.
Andrew Summers.
Chief Executive.
Transport East.
Rebecca Cheung.
Lead Policy Manager (Strategic Rail).
West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Driving innovation in the rail sector – advancing new technologies to increase efficiency and modernise assets
14:20 to
14:45
- What is needed to accelerate the adoption of new technologies?
- Maximising the potential of AI developments for the industry – where can AI add value?
- Upgrading aging infrastructure – making integration with modern technologies easier and more affordable
Speaker:
Kevin Blacktop.
Innovation Lead – Rail.
Innovate UK.
Afternoon refreshments
14:45 to
15:15
What’s next for rail infrastructure? Update on the current pipeline of projects and plans for further development
15:15 to
16:00
- Progress and timelines for major projects
- Available funding for rail infrastructure
- Establishing the needs and benefits of rail infrastructure – what is the business case?
Speakers:
Kevin McGinley.
Development Director.
Platform4.
Ross Ashton.
Principal Programme Sponsor, Transpennine Route Upgrade.
Network Rail.
Huw Merriman.
Chair.
Liverpool-Manchester Railway Partnership Board.
Sarah Jane Crawford.
Industry Partnership Director - East Coast Digital Programme.
Network Rail.
Panel Discussion: Improving customer experience – understanding passenger expectations and creating a better customer journey
16:00 to
16:45
- Establishing the Passenger Standards Authority – what will this mean for improving passenger experience?
- What are customer expectations of rail? How is the sector performing against these?
- Maximising integration and removing barriers to improve accessibility
- Communicating clearly with customers from ticket purchase and fares during disruptions
Speakers:
Robin Hewings.
Head of Policy.
Transport Focus.
Lewis Brencher.
Executive Director Customer & Communications.
Transport for Wales.
Chair’s closing remarks
16:45 to
16:55
Close of conference and networking drinks
17:10 to
17:30