Thank you to everyone who has got in touch about the Railways Bill and asking the Government to ensure passengers are prioritised over profit.
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, get to work, visit loved ones and socialise. I am committed to getting our railways back on track.
We need a railway people can rely on. Whether passengers are taking a single trip or commuting every day, they should feel that the railway is there to help them. People should trust that their train will be on time and not expect delays as normal. They should know that their journey’s quality and accessibility for all are important, and that they have an independent voice in the industry which is speaking up for them.
Travelling by train should feel straightforward, not confusing. The Railways Bill will seek to deliver all of this, and I am pleased that this legislation will be brought to Parliament later this year.
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 that the Bill plans to combine all train operator websites and apps into one Great British Railways (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.
As a former Shadow Minister for Disabled people I am pleased to see that accessibility is a priority for the Government, and I share its commitment to delivering a rail system which allows everyone, including disabled people, to travel easily, confidently and with dignity.
More widely, I agree that investment in the rail network is essential and well overdue. I was pleased to hear the announcement in the recent Spending Review of more than £92 billion of funding for road and rail projects. This includes funding for upgrades on the trans-Pennine route, which is the backbone of our northern cities, a commitment to building the East West railway line to Cambridge, and over £2 billion for Transport for London.
Like you, I look forward to the Railways Bill coming forward and I will follow its progress closely.
