UK Rail: A sector guide for student engineers

The UK rail sector is one of the most significant and longstanding industries in the country, contributing both economically and socially to its infrastructure. The rail industry plays a crucial role in moving people and goods across the nation, serving as a backbone of public transportation and a key player in freight logistics. It is responsible for generating around £36bn annually in economic activity and supports approximately 240,000 jobs across various specialisations, from manufacturing to operations and maintenance.

The UK’s rail network is among the most extensive in Europe, with over 20,000 miles of track and thousands of train services operating daily. There are different types of organisations operating within the sector, each contributing to its smooth operation:

The rail industry also collaborates closely with government bodies such as the Department for Transport (DfT) and industry regulators like the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which set policies and oversee the safe operation of the network.