Home - Rail Technical Strategy

Innovating across Britain’s railway

Written by industry, for industry, to deliver for customers

Routemaps outlining key steps for the next 5 years towards the 2040 vision

Share your thinking and solutions for the five functional priorities

Endorsed by industry

“This RTS is a major shift, outlining how we are making a step change in innovation across the rail sector. Let's embrace this strategy and build on this platform for change.” READ MORE

Andrew Haines, Chief Executive, Network Rail

“A rail sector able to meet these challenges through innovation will provide greater benefits to rail users, export more around the globe, generate more investment and jobs, and attract even more talent” READ MORE

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive, Railway Industry Association

FUNCTIONAL PRIORITIES

The technical success of the railway and our ability to make technologies deliver for our existing and future customers, depends on how we work together. Bringing about business driven innovation, findings ways to accelerate successful take up of new technologies, and ensuring that the rail sector attracts and develops ample digital talent.

Easy to use for all
Low emissions
Optimised train operations
Reliable and easy to maintain
Data driven

Easy to use for all

Rail will deliver an excellent travel experience to regular and occasional passengers thanks to dependable real-time information, innovative payment methods, and improved solutions for accessibility.

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Low emissions

Carbon and air emissions will be minimised by cheaper and less disruptive electrification, zero-carbon diesel replacement, greater efficiency and removing emissions at source.

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Optimised train operations

Train services will be highly reliable and the capacity of the network improved by real-time management, better train planning and simulation, and shorter headways together with new solutions at nodes.

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Reliable and easy to maintain

Reliability and availability will be maximised by design, remote and automatic inspection, and targeted interventions, while whole-life cost is reduced.

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Data driven

Data, recognised as a highly valuable asset, will have fit for purpose governance, access arrangements, systems and technical skills.

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DESIRED OUTCOMES

Railway exists to move people and things from place to place in a safe and efficient manner but has a responsibility as an industry beyond this core service, to contribute to protecting the environment and to support wider society.

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Happy customers

The mode of choice for passengers and freight.

A vibrant sector

A railway that attracts investment and talent.

Stronger society and economy

An accessible and affordable mode that supports the UK economy.

Better environment

Sustainable operations with a positive environmental impact.

Happy customers

A vibrant sector

Stronger society and economy

Better environment

CRITICAL ENABLERS

Making it a success goes beyond technical solutions.

The technical success of the railway and our ability to make technologies deliver for our existing and future customers, depends on how we work together. Bringing about business driven innovation, findings ways to accelerate successful take up of new technologies and ensuring that the rail sector attracts and develops ample digital talent.