Railfuture’s Annual National Conference comes to Leeds in March

Railfuture’s Annual National Conference comes to Leeds on Thursday 30 March 2023, with the needs of passengers and freight high on the agenda this year.

Speakers will respond to the event’s headline, ‘Turning Point for the Railway’, discussing the importance of attracting more passenger and freight customers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The headline reflects Railfuture’s mission to drive change in the industry, making services better for both freight and the travelling public.

Neil Middleton, Communications Director of Railfuture and part of the conference’s organising team, commented: “The industry can be a highly effective contributor to decarbonisation, to levelling up and as part of many wider initiatives – but only if it is successful in attracting passengers and freight to use the railway. The post-COVID railway can no longer rely on commuters who ‘have’ to travel to work each day – who can replace them?”

The conference will explore this question, with a variety of sessions including from the University of Leeds (on the value of new lines and stations), Community Rail (on engaging with young people), and Family Friendly Trains.

Chaired by Brian Barnsley, Deputy Chief Executive of Community Rail Partnership, it promises to bring members, industry professionals and stakeholders together for important conversations.

Ann Hindley, Railfuture member and part of the organising team, added: “We’ve chosen the in-person option as the chance to meet others and have those useful informal side chats that are so useful. We still don’t know if there will be rail strikes on the day, but we’ve decided we will go ahead anyway”.

Other presentations will explore whether the railway is working for passengers, and how it can better support the movement of freight.

A £50 ticket includes lunch and refreshments, at the fully accessible St George’s Conference Centre, 60 Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3DL and just a 15-minute walk from Leeds station. To book your place, visit www.railfuture.org.uk/conferences/rbd/

Photo credit: Shutterstock

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