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Government sets out plans to fix the UK’s ‘broken’ rail system and deliver reliable services

"Passengers have put up with broken railways for far too long."

Emily Sergeant - 19th February 2025

Plans to fix the ‘broken’ rail system across the UK and deliver reliable services for all have been set out by the Government.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is aiming to ‘rewire Britain’s railways’ with the introduction of its landmark bill unveiled by the Government yesterday (18 February), most notably including the setting up of a powerful passenger watchdog to reform Great British Railways (GBR), give passengers a voice, and hold train operators to account.

The creation of the new watchdog is described as being a ‘once in a generation overhaul’.

Its establishment should bring track and train together, end ‘major failures’, and deliver reliable services for passengers, all while catalysing growth across the country, the DfT assures.

The Railways Bill is set to deliver a once in a generation overhaul of Britain's railways.

But what will it actually do, and what does this mean for passengers?

Here's what you need to know 👇 pic.twitter.com/qag7s7mgoC

— Department for Transport (@transportgovuk) February 18, 2025

It will also give devolved leaders more of a say on the services that directly impact their towns and cities, and work together to integrate transport, ultimately making it simpler to travel and attracting more people to our railways. 

The new independent watchdog will be tasked with ensuring GBR addresses the issues that consistently rank highest in passenger complaints to ensure the public are given clear information when they travel.

Working with the Transport Secretary and GBR, the watchdog will also be given the powers to set clear standards for passengers on things like journey information and assistance, investigate persistent problems, and publish reports on poor service – before referring this to the railway regulator for enforcement action.

A public consultation on the plans has also been launched this week, giving the Government a chance to hear Brits’ views on putting an end to ‘outdated and inefficient processes’ which have resulted in poor performance, timetable chaos, and complex fares and ticketing over the years.

“Passengers have put up with broken railways for far too long,” insisted Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.

Read more:

• Passengers urged not to fire verbal or physical ‘abuse’ at conductors on Northern trains
• Train tickets slashed by up to 50% in huge Rail Sale across the UK
• Andy Burnham urges Keir Starmer to ‘move really quickly’ on the Northern Powerhouse

“This landmark reform will sweep away decades of failure, creating a Great British Railways passengers can rely on.

“We’re giving passengers a powerful voice with a new watchdog dedicated to addressing their biggest concerns, building railways people can trust, improving our services, and boosting the economy in the process.”

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons