The Great British Railways (GBR) is set to bring together the management of the network and the commissioning of passenger services, marking a significant shift in the UK’s rail industry. This move is expected to provide clearer lines of accountability and help build a more modern and financially secure sector.
The draft Bill, published on 20 February 2024, is part of the government’s plan to deliver a bold vision for future rail customers. The aim is to provide punctual and reliable services, simpler tickets, and a modern and innovative railway that meets the needs of passengers and freight users.
The Secretary of State for Transport’s franchising authority functions will be transferred to GBR, ensuring that operational and infrastructure decisions are made in a coordinated way. This is expected to lead to improved reliability and performance of passenger and freight services.
GBR will also contract with the private sector to maximise investment and innovation throughout the sector. This includes improving connectivity and choice through more direct links and more options for passengers.
In addition to passenger services, GBR will also be tasked with driving forward the UK’s rail freight sector. The government has set an ambitious target of 75% growth in rail freight by 2050. The Strategic Freight Unit, established within the Great British Railways Transition Team, will lead further work in 2024 to develop plans and actions for delivering this level of rail freight growth.
The national headquarters of GBR will be in Derby, chosen following a rigorous assessment process and public vote. The Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), set up in 2021, has already helped lay the foundations for bringing track and train together.
The draft Rail Reform Bill will now undergo pre-legislative scrutiny led by the Transport Select Committee. This will allow parliamentarians and industry experts to review and provide feedback on the legislation, ensuring that the final legislation is as robust as possible.
In response to the publication of the Rail Reform Bill, Ellis Shelton, the senior policy advisor at Logistics UK, expressed optimism.
“Today’s announcement that the Rail Reform Bill is to deliver on the 2019 Manifesto commitments to advance the rail reform programme is encouraging news for logistics businesses that are keen to maximise rail as a mode for the delivery of goods across the economy,” Shelton said.
He further highlighted the formation of Great British Railways and its ambitious growth target of 75% by 2050 for rail usage as a key stepping stone on the UK’s route to decarbonisation.
Shelton emphasised the importance of a ‘whole system’ approach that considers the challenges of rail deliveries across the entire network.
“For some time, Logistics UK has been pressing the government for a ‘whole system’ approach, that views the challenges of rail deliveries across the entire network, and the new GBR entity will provide a strategic overview that will create improved reliability and performance for freight services,” he added.