Comparing railways across different countries is always difficult, as there are so many different variables involved, and different priorities.

Investment into infrastructure is a key part of the UK’s approach to improving our railways, yet the benefits these are set to bring may not be evident in a study which only takes a snapshot view of effect on passengers into account.

Additionally, it is well known that savings are possible in the rail industry, hence the McNulty rail review. In order to support the implementation of these improvements, unions should recognise the value of the proposed reforms instead of continuing to argue for the sake of argument.

The goals are the same; better efficiency, comfort and speed at a lower price for the taxpayer. The research only highlights the need to make these changes now, in order to develop a better railway for the future.