Transport reform nears final approval in Parliament.

The Department for Transport has confirmed that government plans to overhaul rail transport have received a significant boost, with the introduction of the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill and the launch of Shadow Great British Railways to drive forward changes in the rail network.

Shadow Great British Railways aims to bring together leaders from the Department for Transport, Network Rail, and publicly-owned operators under one umbrella to improve services, prioritise passengers, and potentially save taxpayers up to £150 million per year. This initiative will also focus on accelerating the training of new train drivers and collaborating with the rail sector to enhance productivity and resilience.

Louise Haigh, Secretary of State for Transport, expressed her determination to end the chaos, delay, and disruptions experienced by passengers daily. She emphasised the importance of establishing a unified railway system with passengers at its core by combining track and train operations. The progress of the Passenger Railway Services Bill brings the government closer to public ownership, ultimately aiming to reinstate the railways on the right track.

Haigh stated, “This government is committed to investing every penny into building a stronger and more reliable rail network that serves the needs of all passengers. Our focus is on putting passengers first and enhancing overall performance.”

In addition to these reforms, the government is also investing £27 million in implementing tap-in tap-out technology at an additional 45 train stations next year. This initiative aims to improve connectivity and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers across the country.

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