Tracks to Tomorrow: Rebuilding Rail for the 21st Century

As the UK faces growing demand for sustainable transport, economic connectivity, and regional regeneration, the time has come to rethink rail infrastructure—not just as steel and stone, but as a strategic enabler of national progress. From ageing assets and capacity bottlenecks to digital signalling and climate resilience, the challenges are complex—but so are the opportunities.

This panel brings together infrastructure planners, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore how we can reimagine the foundations of Britain’s rail network for the 21st century. We’ll examine:

• How modern infrastructure can support modal shift, decarbonisation, and inclusive growth

• The role of digital technologies, electrification, and station redesign in improving performance and passenger experience

• Strategies for integrating rail with housing, freight, and regional development plans

• Funding models, delivery partnerships, and governance reforms needed to unlock long-term investment

This is a conversation about ambition, integration, and transformation. Join us to explore how rethinking rail infrastructure can help build a network that’s not only fit for purpose—but fit for the future.

The future of rail is intelligent, connected, and data-driven. As the UK rail network faces rising passenger expectations, operational pressures, and climate challenges, smart systems and technological innovation offer powerful tools to transform performance, safety, and sustainability.

This panel brings together transport technologists, rail operators, infrastructure experts, and digital innovators to explore how cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the rail experience. We’ll examine:

• The role of AI, IoT, and predictive analytics in improving reliability, maintenance, and network efficiency

• How smart ticketing, real-time data, and passenger apps are enhancing customer experience

• Innovations in signalling, automation, and control systems that support capacity and safety

• Challenges around interoperability, cybersecurity, and scaling innovation across legacy infrastructure

This is a conversation about progress, possibility, and the power of technology to reinvent rail. Join us to explore how smart systems can help build a more responsive, resilient, and future-ready UK rail network.

High-speed rail is more than a transport upgrade—it’s a catalyst for regional growth, economic rebalancing, and national cohesion. As the UK re-evaluates its infrastructure priorities, the question is no longer just how fast we can travel, but how well we can connect communities, unlock opportunity, and deliver inclusive growth across the country.

This panel brings together transport planners, regional leaders, rail operators, and infrastructure experts to explore the evolving role of high-speed rail in shaping the UK’s future. We’ll examine:

• The economic and social case for high-speed rail beyond London and the South East

• How to integrate high-speed services with local and regional networks for seamless connectivity

• Lessons from international models and UK projects—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what’s next

• The policy, funding, and delivery frameworks needed to ensure high-speed rail benefits all regions

This is a conversation about speed, yes—but also about strategy, equity, and ambition. Join us to explore how high-speed rail can help build a more connected, competitive, and cohesive United Kingdom.

Delivering a modern, resilient, and sustainable rail network requires more than engineering excellence—it demands bold, innovative approaches to financing. As the UK faces rising costs, shifting passenger patterns, and ambitious decarbonisation goals, traditional funding models are under pressure. The question is no longer if we invest in rail infrastructure, but how we fund it—fairly, efficiently, and for the long term.

This panel brings together transport economists, government officials, private investors, and infrastructure leaders to explore the evolving landscape of rail finance. We’ll examine:

• The role of public-private partnerships, long-term funding settlements, and value capture mechanisms

• How to align investment with regional growth, levelling up, and net zero priorities

• Strategies for de-risking infrastructure projects and attracting sustainable capital

• Lessons from international models and UK case studies on financing major rail programmes

This is a conversation about ambition, accountability, and unlocking the capital needed to build the railways of tomorrow. Join us to explore how we can finance infrastructure that delivers lasting value—for passengers, places, and the planet.