Railing into the Future
Written by: Jon Lindberg on 4 November, 2009
Thomas Train
The ‘Sage of Omaha’ Warren Buffet has just bought one of America’s largest freight railway firms, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) for $26bn in an “all-in wager” of America’s economic future.
He could have gotten a big chunk of a UK bank for that price, but Mr Buffet thinks that ‘railroads will get a decent return’ and will underpin a low-carbon economy in the future. With efficiency much higher than any other transport mode for goods, railroads will probably become a hot-potato for politicians as well (for some it already is).
When you visit the three main parties’ websites here in the UK they all more or less have the same transport policy outlined with high-speed rail networks, improved railway systems, intelligent transport systems including wider take-up of congestion charge zones. Now, of course, the three parties will bicker on ‘minor’ differences and blow them out of proportion and the financial state of the government may affect significant progress in the near time (depending on who advices who in the next administration). Nonetheless, we should all rejoice in the fact that the savviest investor in the world is putting his faith (and money) in an industry that dates back to the industrial revolution, one that will only get more important as we move towards a low-carbon economy. This would, and already has, spurred up a debate around the world and complements the one in Europe about a smarter transport system across the continent (and UK).
At Intellect we believe that a smart transport system with robust infrastructure underpins a modern and evolving UK plc and is the way forward for:
• improving quality of life because greater choice and convenience in travel
• contributing to economic recovery
• reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation
On 24 November, the Lib-Dem Shadow Minister for Transport Norman Baker will address industry at the annual Intellect Transport Reception. The Shadow Minister will present his future vision by making transport affordable and reliable; enable a real choice about how to travel and cut pollution. This includes rolling out a High-Speed Rail Network, improve public transport and identifying ways of making transport more environmentally friendly. The role of technology to deliver this is fundamental and our members understand that. The reception on the 24th will provide an opportunity for members and customers to share their thoughts over an informal networking event.
Tags: infrastrucutre for future, railroads, transport and technology
