Rail passengers have been promised a more efficient and unified service under the biggest shake-up in decades, with the creation of a new state-owned body, Great British Railways (GBR). The organisation will set timetables and prices, sell tickets in England, and manage rail infrastructure, replacing the current fragmented system.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the reforms would end an 'overcomplicated and fragmented' system, but stopped short of guaranteeing that fares would not rise in the future. 'No, is the answer,' he said when asked if the changes meant rising ticket prices, but added: 'I'm not here to give guarantees for years to come.'
The government aims to deliver 'high-quality, consistent services' from 2023, including simplified ticketing, a significant rollout of contactless and digital payments, and flexible season tickets from next month. These tickets will allow travel on any eight days in a 28-day period, reflecting changed commuting patterns after the pandemic.
GBR will replace Network Rail in 2023, emulating the London transport model with multiple operators under one brand. Most services will remain privately run but under new 'passenger contracts' with targets on punctuality and efficiency. The reforms follow the chaotic 2018 timetable introduction and years of complaints about the franchising system.
In Scotland and Wales, where transport is devolved, GBR will still operate but with continued devolved powers. Keith Williams, who led the review, said the changes respond to customer demand for a more reliable service and better ticket purchasing options.
