A quarter-century of fragmentation on the railways will soon to come to an end as the Transport Secretary announces a new plan for rail travel in the UK.
A new public body, Great British Railways (GBR) is to be created to integrate the railways bringing it under a central body. GBR will own the infrastructure, collect fare revenue, plan and run the network, and set most fares and timetables.
This will replace the current mass of confusing tickets and separate rail franchises that has existed since the mid 90’s when the railways were privatised.
Local MP Antony Higginbotham who has used time in Parliament to call for better rail connectivity commented:
Our rail system hasn’t worked for a long time and we’ve seen that clearly in Burnley and Padiham with Northern Rail. I want to see us rebuild our railway network post-Covid and we have an amazing opportunity to do so in a way which prioritises passengers and recognises the need to innovate.
This plan sets out the path towards a truly passenger-focused railway, underpinned by new contracts that prioritise punctual and reliable services, the rapid delivery convenient tickets and long-term proposals to build a modern, greener and accessible network. It also creates a new brand that we can all be proud of as it crosses the nation.
Alongside introducing new flexible season tickets and a significant roll-out of more convenient Pay As You Go, contactless and digital ticketing on smartphone, a new GBR website will sell tickets and operate a single compensation system which will provide a simple system for passengers to access information and apply for refunds.
There will remain a substantial and often greater role for the private sector as GBR sets to contract private partners to operate most trains to the timetables and fares it specifies, with a model similar to that used by Transport for London in its successful Overground and Docklands Light Railway services.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
I am a great believer in rail, but for too long passengers have not had the level of service they deserve.
By creating Great British Railways and investing in the future of the network, this government will deliver a rail system the country can be proud of.
Grant Shapps Transport Secretary said:
Our railways were born and built to serve this country, to forge stronger connections between our communities and provide people with an affordable, reliable and rapid service. Years of fragmentation, confusion and over-complication have seen that vision fade and passengers failed. That complicated and broken system ends today.
The pandemic has seen the government take unprecedented steps to protect services and jobs. It’s now time to kickstart reforms that give the railways solid and stable foundations for the future, unleashing the competitive, innovative and expert abilities of the private sector, and ensuring passengers come first.
Great British Railways marks a new era in the history of our railways. It will become a single familiar brand with a bold new vision for passengers – of punctual services, simpler tickets and a modern and green railway that meets the needs of the nation.
Local communities will work closely with GBR on designing services with local leaders given greater control over local ticketing, timetables and stations. The new model will also encourage innovative bidders, such as community rail partnerships who want to bid for the GBR contract to operate their local branch lines.
The journey to this new passenger-focused model has begun today. New National Rail Contracts will be announced this year. They will be in operation for 2 years and act as a bridge to reform.
