Rail devolution proposals are on the right track – DLA Piper event

RAIL devolution could lead to a number of benefits for the West Midlands, guests at a dinner hosted by law firm DLA Piper in Birmingham heard.

Senior representatives from the rail industry gathered at the firm’s offices in Victoria Square for a dinner hosted by DLA Piper partners Paul Hirst and Nick Jew.

The dinner featured an influential panel comprising Geoff Inskip, director general of Centro, former railwayman and MP Lord Snape, Adrian Shooter, former chief executive of Chiltern Railways and Alex Hynes, managing director of rail development for Go Ahead Group, the majority shareholder in the London Midland rail franchise.

If successful, the rail devolution proposals for the West Midlands will see the power to run local rail services being transferred to Centro, enabling decisions regarding the funding and scope of those services to be determined at a local level.

Centro’s Inskip provided a detailed overview of how the proposals would work in practice.

DLA Piper’s Jew said: “The calibre of the panellists and attendees demonstrates the importance of the rail devolution proposals to the UK transport industry and the impact that it will have on the Midlands region.

“There was general agreement that, approached in the right way, rail devolution could lead to a number of benefits, in particular the greater integration of rail services with other modes of transportation, such as light rail and local bus services. It could also improve the customer experience by providing clarity on fares and innovative systems, for example for ticketing.”

Hirst, head of transport for DLA Piper in the UK, added:  “In order for the region to secure this opportunity it is vital that Centro has the right leadership required to build trust with the department for transport and push the proposals through – and listening to Geoff Inskip there are very strong signs that it does.

“If proposals are passed, developing the relationship between the public and private sector will be crucial in achieving success. It is important that we build in room for private sector innovation and investment and listen to the input of industry stakeholders. This will require continuing debate and dialogue as we move forward.”