Industry responds to UK rail reform bill consultation

UK: ‘The plans set out today will mean a better railway for everyone that uses it, allowing industry to work closer together, putting passengers and customers first and providing better value for money for taxpayers’, Chair of Shadow Great British Railways Laura Shoaf said when the government’s A Railway Fit For Britain’s Future consultation document setting out plans for rail reform was published on February 18.

Operators

Commenting on the government’s plans, Andy Bagnall, CEO of train operator owning group association Rail Partners, said ‘today’s consultation is only the start of the process of answering the big questions’.

He said the bill ’must organise the railway to address passenger demands for punctuality and affordability and replace the commercial focus of train companies to restore financial sustainability and reduce subsidy. It must also create the conditions necessary to ensure that Great British Railways treats other operators fairly, including freight and open access operators, as well as devolved services.’

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