A new UK-wide proposal for a new Railways Bill is set to spark the biggest change in the country’s railway sector for decades. The legislation enables the creation of a new public body, Great British Railways (GBR), which will integrate all the UK’s railways under one roof and build a passenger-focused and efficient transport system.
Structural Reform: Integration and Efficiency
Great British Railways, headquartered in Derby, is merging all elements of the railways, including infrastructure, trains and revenue streams, into a single organisation. This structural reform aims to achieve greater efficiency in co-ordinating passenger and freight transport so that routes are fully integrated and investment is focused on economic growth. According to the government, this integrated system will improve reliability, accessibility and affordability.
Transport Minister Heidi Alexander describes this bill as a major step towards rebuilding public trust. “This new system is all about transparency and performance, because travellers expect nothing but the highest service standards,” says Alexander.
Innovation and Accessibility Focal Point
GBR’s primary concerns include ticketing and accessibility. The organisation will launch a new digital ticketing system that will consolidate and replace 14 sites and apps from different operators. While passenger services will continue, technology will make journey planning easier and ticket prices more transparent.
In the area of accessibility, the government will expand the Disabled Persons Railcard programme and introduce more “Welcome Points” and publish an Accessibility Roadmap to improve lifts and escalators across the country.
In addition, the appointment of a stronger passenger leader means that this leader will have the power to investigate underperformance and demand improvements, and will speak on behalf of citizens to ensure that the railways meet modern service standards. Freight transport operators and local authorities will also have a greater say in capacity planning and local economic development objectives.
British Rail aims to deliver a modern, integrated system that will facilitate customer focus, growth and connectivity, while ensuring public accountability.
