Fast inter-urban passenger services have been the most commercially successful and high profile sectors of the railway industry. Some inter-urban franchises generate premia to Government rather than receiving subsidy grants. This conference will take stock of the market situation, development opportunities, competition from other modes and ,of course, funding. It will also consider the crucial role of service quality and standards, embracing aspects such as the level and type of catering and the choice of suitable rolling stock.

Speakers include: Tim Nicholson, Chairman, Rail Passenger Committee for Southern England, Mark Lambirth, Director, Rail Strategy and Resources Directorate, DfT; Don Heath, Consultant, Virgin Trains; Steven Potter, Senior Research Fellow, Open University; Patrick Bateson, Head of Project Formulation, Strategic Rail Authority; Christian Krauchi, Head of Communications, SBB Infrasture; Jonathan Tyler, Director, Passenger Transport Network; Michael Laverty, Corporate Director of Finance Strategy, Advantage West Midlands; Gordon Pettit, formerly Managing Director Regional Railways, British Rail; Robin Pratt, Associate, Steer Davies Gleave; David Hoggarth, Assistant Director, Development, Metro; (West Yorkshire PTE); Peter Hine, Director, Symonds Group & RICS TDAs Initiative; Clare Field, Sales and Marketing Director, GNER; Tony Devitt, Industrial Design Manager, Atkins Rail and John Segal, Director, MVA