by Douglas Tonge, Rail Supplies Direct Publisher
January 2005

Surely everyone would agree that a good public transport system is vital to the economy of the country, and a high quality rail system forms an essential part of this. Network Rail are faced with the task of restoring a network that has suffered for an extended period of insufficient investment, and at the same time restoring the public’s confidence in a system that all too often seems to fail in achieving the levels of service and reliability they have a right to expect.

Sometimes it is important to stop and just take a look at the achievements that have already been made:

• Over one billion passenger journeys were made in 2003 – more than in any year since 1961
• Over 19,000 passenger services a day, operated by 4,000 trains serving 2,500 stations
• An average of 2.75 million passengers carried every day

Think about the £4.5 billion investment by the train operating companies in new rolling stock, Network Rail’s spend of £26 billion over the 5 years of its new business plan, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link – one of the largest construction projects in Europe, improvements to London Underground (the biggest underground programme in the world), the exciting Crossrail project and the growth of Light Rail systems.

The rail sector undoubtedly has a lot to be proud of. In fact Britain has the fastest growing railway in Europe.

We must ensure that these ongoing improvements continue to deliver a safe reliable service that offer real benefits to rail passengers, A great many highly skilled companies and individuals are working extremely hard to produce a network we can be proud of. If we let them get on with the task no doubt they will be able to achieve a rail system to be proud of, something that will benefit us all. Although much of this effort is unseen by the rail users, it is now delivering real benefits.

Rail Supplies Direct specifically designed to provide an easy to use Directory and web site containing information on those companies that have the specialised skills and resources needed to deliver a safe, efficient and reliable network. Every one of the companies in the Directory is totally behind the rail industry and is fully committed to the goal of creating a network fit for the 21st Century.