Decision details

Cabinet to adopt the Kent Rail Strategy 2021 and the associated policies.

·      Reason for the decision – To provide KCC with a new rail policy for the next South Eastern agreement, with clear and concise objectives to meet the forecast needs of Kent’s rail passengers.

·      Background – The Department for Transport is expected to commence a new public consultation, in late 2021 or 2022, on the train service requirement for the new South Eastern agreement, which is expected to commence in 2022 or 2023. This new Kent Rail Strategy 2021 sets out KCC’s priorities for Kent’s rail services for the next decade and reflects the expected increase in demand generated by the planned growth in housing and population in the county to 2031.

Cabinet agrees to adopt the Kent Rail Strategy 2021 as the Council’s rail policy, the principal purpose of which will be to inform the rail service specification in the next South Eastern concession agreement.