Following the Rail Review and the Transport White Paper, the government has created a new framework for the development of region rail networks. Having been given the authority to redirect rail funding into other modes where it is appropriate to do so, Passenger Transport Executives appear reluctant to break up the commuter rail networks they have worked to establish over many years. As well as this, the Communtiy Rail Plan has put forward strong messages that branch lines should evolve to generate more business at a reduced cost.

Having stopped short of a total review of the franchising system, increased centralised control begs the question, what is the future trading environment for regional train operators likely to be?

Speakers include: Roy Wicks, Director General, SYPTE and Chair, PTEG Rail Group; Brian Simpson, Director, North West Rail Investment Campaign; Brian Burdsall, Managing Director, Serco-Northern Franchise, Serco NedRail, Mark Lambirth, Director, Rail Strategy and Resource, DfT; Jim Steer, Managing Director, Strategic Planning, SRA; David McIntosh, Director, The Rail Consultancy Ltd; Neil Scales, Chief Executive & Director General, Merseytravel; Jonathan Dneby, Head of Corporate Affairs, One Anglia; Alan Beswick, Senior Rail Consultant, JMP Consulting & Stefan Sanders, Associate Director, ARUP. Chairs: Cllr Alistair Watson, Chair, Strathclyde PTE & Christine Knights, North East Regional Rail Passengers Committee