Working Group 5 - Alternative Solutions to Efficiently Deliver Passenger Demand (Network Rail) 15th March 2012

The Scoping Document for Consultation of the Network RUS: Alternative Solutions has been published on 28th February 2012. A 60 day consultation period is now underway during which time comments are invited from all interested parties.
It is recognised that in considering alternative solutions there may be a wide range of views and experience from other industries and contexts which may be relevant. Unlike other RUSs it is therefore proposed to have a two stage consultation process with the scoping document forming the first part of the consultation. All responses received will be considered and will help influence a draft strategy for consultation which will be published later in the year.
The RUS has so far examined three alternatives to see if different ways of working can help the industry become more effective and better value for money:

• Can the application of tram and tram train technologies deliver savings in capital, operating and maintenance costs, whilst simultaneously improving the offering to the travelling customer?
• Are there cheaper and more innovative ways of replacing diesel traction with electrically-powered trains?
• To what extent can the further development of community rail initiatives provide locally applicable opportunities for adding value to railway operations?

The aim of analysing these solutions is to identify the areas in which their contribution might be most valuable in order to focus the resources of the rail industry and its stakeholders.
The deadline for consultation responses is 30 April 2012. The email address for consultation responses is: NetworkRUSAlternativeSolutions@networkrail.co.uk.
Further details of how to respond can be found in chapter 8 of the RUS. Responses will be published on our website.