Government have today announced plans to reform the UK’s railway system which should see more punctual services and cheaper tickets for rail passengers.
Commenting today, Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps admitted the current system was “too complicated and fragmented”. The new state-owned Great British Railway (GBR) will set timetables and prices, sell tickets in England and manage rail infrastructure.
Anthony Smith, Chief Executive of passenger watchdog Transport Focus, said passengers would welcome a move “towards a more accountable and joined-up railway”.
“Ultimately what they will care about is whether rail is the best option for them, if it is reliable, efficient and good value,” he said.
Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director of the BCC, said: “It’s good to see recognition of the ongoing need for private sector investment and innovation in our railways. Rail reform, now long overdue, needs to give industry the confidence to invest for the future and ensure that the needs of the passenger come first.
“Passengers want more reliable services that give them the confidence to travel by rail and more affordable and flexible fares that support a diversity of working patterns and modern means of employment.
“To make that work the pricing system for tickets must be equally flexible – supporting businesses who need to travel at short notice and the needs of commuters. Flexible fares must provide a reasonable level of discount without a straitjacket being placed on their use. Get this right, and it will encourage more people to travel, rather than penalising them when they do.
“This encouraging start must translate into a longer-term concrete commitment to positive change for our railways that places the passenger at the heart of the system.”