Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has instructed Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines, DfT Director General for Rail Services Alex Hynes and DFT OLR Holdings CEO Robin Gisby to establish Great British Railways in shadow form.
Although primary legislation is required to create GBR in formal form, Ms Haigh says the three organisations will work collaboratively and take a whole-system approach to decision-making while retaining existing accountabilities and duties.
She acknowledged that change on the ground will ‘take time’, adding: ‘Delivering change for passengers will rely on building new levels of trust, openness and transparency across the industry, with diverse teams brought together that reflect the customers and communities we serve – setting the tone for reform and enabling us to create a modern and affordable railway for everyone in Britain.’
Separately, the Public Ownership Bill which will enable the Government to bring passenger franchises in house as they expire passed its third and final stage in the House of Commons on 3 September, and the Government claims it will save £150 million per year when the process is complete.
It has passed its first reading in the House of Lords, and only after it passes all of the stages there will amendments be considered and Royal Assent granted.
