As we look to the future of rail, it’s clear that the drive for improvement is essential. Rail technology continues to evolve, as do operational methods, and several factors will shape the future of the railway system. These include advances in rail technology, population and climate shifts, as well as political decisions and public campaigns.
Below, we explore these factors and discuss how the future of the rail network can evolve to meet the needs of tomorrow.
14 ways in which the railway can improve in the future
1. Extend the network further
The UK currently has around 10,000 miles of railway, serving over 2,500 stations, with Avanti West Coast operating in 46 of them. However, the rail network once extended much further. Over the last century, many rural and branch lines have closed, and more than half of Britain’s stations have been shut down.
Several areas still lack railway services or have limited access. For example, Gosport in Hampshire has a population of over 80,000 but no railway station. Expanding the network would improve connectivity and help reduce car usage, benefiting both the environment and local communities.
2. Move more freight by rail
A century ago, the majority of goods were transported by rail. However, government policies have since shifted focus from freight transport to road haulage. Today, only 8% of UK freight travels by rail, but reversing this trend would have significant environmental benefits. Rail freight produces less than a quarter of the carbon emissions compared to road haulage, and one rail freight journey can replace up to 129 journeys by heavy goods vehicles.
3. Electrify more lines
Electric railways are cheaper, quieter and more reliable than their diesel counterparts. Electrification is especially beneficial when powered by renewable sources. However, currently less than 40% of the UK’s rail network is electric, and while some electrification schemes are underway, much more needs to be done to expand the network’s sustainability.
4. Reduce emissions
Electric trains emit fewer harmful gases than diesel, but hydrogen fuel could be the future. Hydrogen trains produce only water vapour and heat, although producing hydrogen fuel requires a significant amount of energy.
Additionally, railways can explore energy recovery options such as ‘energy flooring’ or ‘kinetic flooring’, where tiles installed in stations convert passenger footfall into electricity.
5. Become more resilient
As the climate changes, the railway network will need to adapt to extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall. The industry is working to protect tracks from flooding, such as stabilising embankment and reinforcing vulnerable infrastructure.
6. Maintain and protect infrastructure
The UK’s railway infrastructure encompasses not only tracks and stations, but also structures such as bridges, tunnels and viaducts. There are around 1,650 listed railway buildings and structures in the country; therefore preserving heritage whilst also upgrading infrastructure is crucial.
Technological advancements, such as smart robots which inspect infrastructure, can assist in maintaining these assets. However, cuts to Network Rail’s planned maintenance, driven by government budget reductions, present a significant challenge.
7. Serve growing cities
By 2050, the global population will reach 9.7 billion, with three-quarters estimated to live in cities, including vast megacities. Railways can provide the cleanest, most efficient way of transportation, especially in urban areas. Existing initiatives, such as Coventry's light rail and the expansion of tram systems in cities like Manchester, can be scaled to accommodate future demand.
8. Improve accessibility
Railways have the potential to become more accessible and offer clear, real-time information in various accessible formats, ensuring that people with disabilities can use the services with ease. Accessibility improvements will make travel more inclusive and benefit a wider range of passengers.
9. Enhanced safety
The railway remains one of the safest modes of transport. However, ongoing technical advancements and political efforts will continue to further improve safety standards. A focus on safety measures and proactive approaches to risk management will ensure that railways remain at the forefront of safe travel.
10. Increased reliability
Currently, only around two-thirds of UK train journeys arrive within 59 seconds of their scheduled time. Increasing staffing levels and improving maintenance can help boost punctuality. Additionally, technology can enhance reliability through innovations like digital traffic management, which helps reduce delays and accelerates recovery from disruptions.
The European Train Control System (ETCS) has already been implemented on some lines, however, this is currently only being installed when old equipment expires. At this pace, a full nationwide deployment will take decades to deploy.
11. Speed up train journeys
Five UK lines allow for high-speed rail of up to 186mph (on HS1) and the West Coast Mainline operates up to 125mph. Technological advancements have increased rail speed, such as Avanti’s Pendolino trains which use tilting technology to reduce the need to slow down while travelling around bends. The Shanghai Maglev demonstrates the potential of high speed trains and technology, which uses electromagnetic forces to levitate the train above the track and with speeds up to 268mph. Trains like the Maglev will continue to influence the future of rail travel.
12. Improve comfort
There are many ways to enhance passenger comfort on trains. Improvements to onboard toilets, seats, Wi-Fi, catering, can all elevate the travel experience. Additionally, expanding capacity would help minimise overcrowding and provide more seating for passengers.
Stations can also become more comfortable, with increased waiting areas, sensory-friendly environments, and more provisions for families with children.
13. Integrate transport modes
Transport integration allows passengers to easily switch between different modes of transport in one journey.
Automatic gauge change technology which simplifies international rail travel, and provisions for bicycles at stations and on trains are just a few examples. Such interconnected systems will create a smoother, more seamless travel experience for passengers.
14. Operate with democratic oversight
Involving the public in railway governance ensures that the railways meet both passenger and community needs. Statutory watchdogs such as Transport Focus and London TravelWatch advocate for passengers’ interests, with significant success in policy changes. For example, in 2023 they helped persuade the government to drop plans to close ticket offices. More democratic oversight could lead to better planning and accountability in the future.
The government’s rail strategy
Great British Railways (GBR)
Currently, ‘Great British Railways’ is operating in shadow mode, created by the Conservative government in response to widespread dissatisfaction with the railway system’s performance. GBR aims to address these issues and improve the rail sector’s operation.
New government, new strategy
In July 2024, the Labour government introduced the ‘Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill, which aims to bring train operating companies under public ownership as their franchises expire.
Public ownership will allow the government to shape the future of the railways, ensuring a more accountable and effective system for passengers.
Looking forward
The future of the railways depends on continuous innovation, investment and policy changes that prioritise sustainability, efficiency and passenger experience. Expanding the network, improving infrastructure and embracing green technologies will be key to a more connected and sustainable future.