Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), the national industry association for the transport technology sector, and the Railway Industry Association (RIA), the voice of the UK rail supply community, have launched a new, joint event exploring how to deliver a digital rail network, fit for the future.

With Control Period 7 beginning and a General Election in 2024, ITS UK and RIA are joining forces to call for a focus on digital over the next ten years, with investment in rail across the areas of digital signalling, data and AI and smart ticketing and retail.

The ‘Digital Decade for Rail’ Summit, taking place on 27 September 2023, in Derby, will see the sector come together, hear from key decision makers across organisations like Network Rail, GBRTT and TfL, and offer the opportunity for the industry to feed their ideas into an ITS UK and RIA ‘Digital Decade for Rail’ manifesto.

Milda Manomaityte, Innovation Director at the Railway Industry Association, said: “We are embarking on a transformative journey towards a digital railway network, and it is crucial that we are prepared for this change. Recognising the different areas digital technologies are impacting the railway industry, RIA is joining forces with ITS UK to launch this three-pillar campaign, focusing on signalling, operational data and ticketing & retail. Together we can build a dynamic and resilient railway sector that elevates the entire transport system and benefits it’s all users”

Max Sugarman, Chief Executive of Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK), said: “Digital technologies are having a profound impact on all areas of the economy, including the transport sector. Rail has always been a highly innovative industry, but it is crucial that over the coming decade, our railways are able to shift to new digital signalling, embrace data and AI-driven ways of working and deliver accessible and modern smart ticketing across the network. The Digital Decade for Rail Summit offers the opportunity for the industry to come together and set out a way forward, with a plan of action for how we make our rail network future-ready.”

Note to Editors

1. Find out more about the Digital Decade for Rail Summit here
2. About ITS UK: Intelligent Transport Systems UK (ITS UK) is the voice of the transport technology industry. ITS UK provides a national platform to support the roll out of technology for a cleaner, safer and more effective transport network, both at home and abroad. We support our 150+ members – from both the private and public sector, and covering all sizes and disciplines – through advocacy to policy makers, connecting people and organisations, promoting the industry overseas and supporting innovation across the intelligent transport ecosystem. www.its-uk.org
3. About RIA: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. RIA has 350 companies in membership in a sector that contributes £43 billion in economic growth and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 710,000 people. It is also a vital industry for the UK’s economic recovery, supporting green investment and jobs in towns and communities across the UK; for every £1 spent in rail, £2.50 is generated in the wider economy. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). www.riagb.org.uk