My View: Railways Bill

Railways have been at the heart of our transport network for 200 years. They have played an essential role in enabling people to travel across our country, visit loved ones and seize economic opportunities. I am committed to getting our railways back on track.

Travelling by train should feel straightforward, not confusing. The Railways Bill will seek to deliver all of this, representing the biggest shake-up of our railways in a generation. It will create Great British Railways (GBR), bringing together track and train operations under one banner. I am pleased this legislation is currently making its way through the House of Commons.

I know people want to see an improved ticketing system. There are many different train operator websites and ticket types, which can confuse passengers and cost more. That’s why I am pleased the Bill combines all train operator websites and apps into one GBR system. In the future, GBR will sell tickets directly to customers, both online and in person, at ticket offices, via machines, and on trains.

It is positive that this has been combined with our Government announcing the first freeze in rail fares for 30 years. This will ease the pressure on household finances and make travelling to work, school or to visit friends and family that bit easier, which I warmly welcome.

It is right that accessibility is a priority for our Government, and I share its commitment to delivering a rail system which allows everyone, including disabled people, to travel easily, confidently and with dignity.

I agree that investment in the rail network is essential and well overdue. By bringing train operations into public hands, we can save £150 million a year in management fees, which can be reinvested in our services.

The 2025 Spending Review pledged £92 billion of funding for road and rail projects. This includes upgrades on the trans-Pennine route in the north, a commitment to building the East West railway line to Cambridge, and over £2 billion for Transport for London.

I also welcome our Governments’ announcement that Northern Powerhouse Rail will deliver faster, more frequent services across the North, unlocking jobs, homes and opportunities. I am following the progression of the Railways Bill through Parliament closely and look forward to seeing it deliver significant benefits for passengers, and I’ll be updating any developments we see here.