Description

This year's Railway Division chairman is a familiar face to the South West Centre, having been our chairman for the past three years.

Chris Kinchin-Smith is an independent consultant and Project Director for the Long Term Passenger Rolling Stock Strategy, working for pan-industry group comprising vehicle owners, train operators, Network Rail and the Rail Delivery Group.

He joined British Rail in 1968 and progressed to senior roles in fleet engineering, strategic planning and general management. Chris was an Executive Director of the Strategic Rail Authority and has undertaken a wide variety of consultancy assignments in the UK and overseas.

Throughout his career he has sought opportunities to drive long-term progressive change for the rail industry, and benefits for customers and stakeholders.

Chris's talk will examine why:

as the railway continues to see challenges with transformation and capacity, it is key to understand the opportunities and challenges presented by growth.

Specific topics will include:

1. The sources of growth in rail passenger demand in Britain
2. The opportunities and challenges presented by this growth
3. Examples of and lessons learned from the achievement of transformation of passenger rail transport in Britain
4. The planning process for the period 2019 to 2024 (Control Period 6)
5. Long term implications for rolling stock, electrification, other infrastructure and the supply chain
6. The implications for the Institution, regarding the skills agenda