UK transport secretary Louise Haigh has announced the launch of Shadow Great British Railways (Shadow GBR), setting in motion a major overhaul of the running of the rail network.
Bringing together leaders from the UK Department for Transport, Network Rail and publicly-owned operators, Shadow GBR will pave the way for Great British Railways (GBR) – a new unified body responsible for bringing track and train back together and overseeing both services and infrastructure.
The announcement comes as the UK government’s Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill continues its passage through the Commons.
According to Haigh, the legislation will prioritise passengers over private companies, saving taxpayers up to an estimated £150m annually in fees alone.
Haigh said: “I am firing the starting gun on the biggest reforms to our railways in a generation.
“I am determined to end the chaos, delay and disruption faced by people on train journeys every day.
“This government will direct every penny into creating a stronger, more reliable rail network that works for everyone.
“This is about making the railways work for the people that use them – putting passengers first and driving up performance.”
Further measures set out by Haigh include the announcement of a new rail sale early next year, to tie in with celebrations to mark the 200th anniversary of Britain’s passenger railways.
The sale will aim to encourage more people on to the railways by offering up to 50% off train tickets for a specific time period.
In addition, tap-in, tap-out technology will be rolled out at a further 45 stations next year following £27m of government funding.
This follows 47 stations previously announced across the Southeast that are set to receive the technology in September.
Achievements and innovations in sustainable public transport planning will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector
