The remarkable resurgence of rail
Once derided as old-fashioned and boring, today’s rail sector is positively sizzling. Old lines are being rehabilitated; new – often high speed – lines and metros are being developed; and new sources of investment are flowing into the sector.
There is nothing boring about today’s rail sector. Flush with new investment and driven by growing public demand, the rail sector has – rather suddenly – surged back into the hearts and minds of politicians, investors and average citizens.
With the reevaluation of rail’s value has come a transformation of its funding. Government leaders and rail authorities are now exploring new and alternative approaches to funding and financing transit, often by monetizing the development opportunities that so often surround rail development.
And while government will often still need to take on some of the risk of development – many are starting to think more creatively about how major projects are funded and financed. Those that take the time to fully understand how their assets ‘fit’ into the wider economy should be better placed to reap the broader benefits.
I welcome you to comment and share your insights on the growth of the rail sector.
View this SlideShare presentation for more on the remarkable resurgence of rail.
Chartered Civil Engineer in the Rail Industry
6yLet’s hope it's not another false dawn. I hope not but we’ve been here before only for things to dampen down as soon as the bill is presented. If we want the Railway we deserve it costs; that said, the way we procure it must change to a much more streamlined model.
Transportation/Logistics Professional - Risk Management - Leader/Manager - Partner-Client collaborator
6yThe closer integration of container movement B2B involving rails and truck movements are shifting the pricing for customers. Transparency to the customer is also a game changer.
GRAND RIVER RAILWAY SWITCHING - TRANSLOAD -3PL
6yI couldn't agree more.
Public Transport and Rail Policy, Planning, and Research
6yI'd be interested to see how the growth has been changing between different types of rail. Metro v commuter v intercity, for example. I'd also be interested to see if there have been changes to government support for passenger rail projects.
Construction Manager
6yLike your post