CD ROM containing:
• Copies of all speaker presentations
• Audio of all speakers presentations and question and discussion sessions
• Speaker biographies and any additional papers they have supplied

Government is now working towards production of the High Level Output Statement (HLOS), which will define the future pattern of railways and rail services for some years to come. But another two or three years will pass before this takes effect. In the meantime, the development of railways in London and the South East has reached a crossroads with no clear direction in sight. Despite progress being made on some key projects, such as extension of the East London Line and completion of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the tight overall limits on investment in the railway system mean that most projects are effectively on hold.

Yet passenger numbers continue to rise, while travel patterns are changing. Access to central London is vital to support the London business economy. In parallel the major regeneration areas, such as the Thames Gateway, need significant new rail links. Capacity is also needed to support the growth in rail freight. It is difficult to see how the Government’s aims on the economy and the environment can be achieved without major investment, through schemes on existing rail corridors and through new projects, such as Crossrail and Thameslink 2000.

Some valuable gains are being made, in part through the new franchises now being awarded. But some important operational questions remain, such as the scope for developing London’s Oystercard, or a similarly integrated smartcard, throughout the region. These are matters on which railway providers and Transport for London are working. But many operational and infrastructure issues have their main effect on local communities, and are key issues for local transport authorities, currently completing their second Local Transport Plan.

This conference, now in its eighth year, will address these wide ranging issues. It will seek to confirm what the priority needs and problems are for passengers, public authorities and agencies, and other interested bodies, and it will aim to draw out how they might be most effectively addressed. In this context it will take stock of current progress and initiatives across the region.

Speakers are drawn from train operators, Transport for London, Network Rail, consultants in railway management and planning, London Travelwatch, regional agencies and local government, providing an unrivalled mix of insight, knowledge and experience.

Chairs:
Adrian Lyons, Director General, Railway Forum

George Burnett, Head of Local Transport Plan Group, Surrey County Council

Speakers:
George Burnett, Head of Local Transport Plan Group, Surrey County Council

Charles Horton, Managing Director, Southern

Stephen Joseph, Deputy Chief Executive, Thames Gateway London Partnership

John Segal, Director Rail, MVA

Tim Bellenger, Director, Research & Development, London Travelwatch

Paul Smith, Director, London Support, ATOC

Ian Brown, Managing Director, London Rail, Transport for London

Joe Weiss, Strategic Transportation Director, City of London Corporation

Andrew Mitchell, Programme Director, The Thameslink Programme, Network Rail

Martin Tugwell, Planning Implementation Director, SEERA

John Pope, Group Manager, Passenger Transport, Essex County Council

Lord Berkeley, Chairman, Rail Freight Group