Railways Bill introduced to Parliament

The Railways Bill will create Great British Railways (GBR) – a new publicly owned company, which will bring together the management of passenger services and rail infrastructure

Key legislation that will transform Britain’s railways has been introduced, paving the way "for a simpler, more reliable network, which puts passengers before profits," says Government.

The Railways Bill will create Great British Railways (GBR) – a new publicly owned company, which will bring together the management of passenger services and rail infrastructure.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Britain deserves a railway that is fit for the future – one that rebuilds the trust of its passengers, regenerates its communities and restores reliability and value for money.

"The introduction of this legislation is a major step towards a rail network that supports Britain’s businesses and delivers for the travelling public – paving the way for economic growth and access to opportunity across the country."

The Railways Bill builds on the government’s public ownership programme, which is already driving improved services. Southeastern and LNER are among the top 5 operators nationally for lowest cancellation rates. South Western Railway has more than tripled the number of new trains in service since entering public ownership, offering more comfortable journeys and passengers can now use tickets across publicly owned operators during cancellations – at no extra cost.

Passengers are currently at the mercy of a complex rail system of over 17 different organisations, resulting in complex fares, delayed upgrades, disjointed timetables and an industry with no single authority in charge, says Government. It adds: "GBR will be accountable to passengers, freight customers and taxpayers and will drive a relentless focus on responding to their needs. Responsible for coordinating the whole network: from track and train, to cost and revenue – GBR will deliver lasting change."

GBR, which will be headquartered in Derby, will create a simpler, more unified railway that delivers easier journeys and offers better value for money. This will include a new one-stop-shop app where passengers can check train times and book tickets.

The Railways Bill will also establish a strengthened passenger watchdog, which will be a powerful new voice to investigate poor service and advocate for improvements.

Major changes in the bill include:   

A strengthened passenger watchdog: Which will act as passengers’ champion and create a better, more inclusive railway for all. The watchdog will have powers to investigate poor service and demand improvements as well as ensuring passengers have a clear and accessible service to escalate their complaints.    

Fare and ticketing reform: The Railways Bill will empower GBR to bring fares and ticketing into the 21st century. Passengers will ultimately be able to purchase tickets through a new GBR website and app, replacing 14 existing operator ticketing platforms. Tickets will be available to purchase at station ticket offices, via ticket vending machines and onboard trains, to ensure all passengers can purchase a ticket with ease and travel with confidence. GBR will also build on the expansion of successful Pay As You Go and fares trials, making travel more flexible and simpler.    

Better business planning: The Railways Bill will place a duty on GBR to grow rail freight, meaning freight operators will benefit from a longer-term strategic approach to planning, including a new capacity allocation and timetabling process. This longer-term certainty for businesses will give critical stability to the railway’s supply chain and increase investor confidence and support the growth of the sector.   

Localised decision making: The Railways Bill will give the devolved governments and England’s mayors a new role and a bigger say in how the railway is run in their patch to improve local connectivity.