In the UK, The King’s speech has promised new legislation to bring rail services back into public ownership once current contracts expire.
This legislation aims to create a simplified rail system that promises to save the taxpayer millions of pounds each year in fees paid to private operators. The transition is set to be initiated through the Passenger Railway Service (Public Ownership) Bill.
The King’s Speech was delivered on Wednesday 17 July
© GOV.UK
The new plans also seek to end the fragmentation of the nation’s railways to establish more efficient and reliable services.
“We welcome the emphasis placed on the needs of passengers in reforming our railways, but we will need to see how the Government intends to deliver this new model to judge its likely success.”
In addition, the UK’s new Labour government will introduce legislation through the Rail Reform Bill to establish Great British Railways (GBR). This plan was first announced under the Conservative government in May 2021 to reform Britain’s rail network and create a simpler, better system.
Significantly, Great British Railways promises to deliver simplified fares and ticketing systems that are consistent across the whole network.
The new body will absorb Network Rail and take on its responsibilities, while also overseeing train services. This move will thus combine train and track to unite the network.
“The Rail Reform Bill will finally pave the way for the much-needed reforms to the railways that passengers and the country needs. Establishing Great British Railways – something we campaigned for and has broad support – will be the first step. Now the Government must deliver improvements quickly and get Britain’s railways back on track.”