The Future of Cities report

In a situation where productivity is already constrained in many cities, particularly outside of London, rail can support cities’ growth through the new and changing reality they face.

The digital transformation of work over recent decades and the growing AI revolution present opportunities for greater productivity in many areas. But dense city centres, with a mix of different sectors, create microcosms of our national economy. They support productivity, employment growth, creativity and innovation in a way that the evidence shows can’t be fully replicated through virtual encounters.  

Rail’s core offer is the ability to transport high volumes of passengers at speed within and between urban areas. As well as high volumes of freight between ports and markets, at low cost and with low emissions. While electric road vehicles will reduce the UK’s emissions, they won’t transform the speed of journeys on congested city streets or on the motorways. 

The reforms underway to bring the leadership of train services and infrastructure together under Great British Railways remove significant constraints in addressing rail’s long-term strategic challenges. This allows for greater financial sustainability and better performance for our users.

Great British Railways will enable us to closely collaborate with city leaders to devolve decision-making and help unlock the productivity and growth potential of our regional cities. £47 bn more a year could be unlocked for the national economy if the eight largest cities outside of London met their productivity potential. Devolution as an integral part of rail reform can help make this a reality.  

We’d like to thank all those people and organisations who’ve contributed to this research and extend an invitation to all those with an interest in growth to build on this work. The more we understand about the changing dynamics of our cities, the better able we are to adapt and thrive.  

The Future of Cities report

We have commissioned this report from WPI Economics to look at the different sectors and services that rely on successful cities.