GBR’s Railways Bill: UK Rail Modernization & Ticketing Reform

Introduction

The UK government introduced the Railways Bill on 5 November 2025, establishing Great British Railways (GBR) to modernize rail services and simplify ticketing across Britain.

Establishment of Great British Railways

The Railways Bill, laid before Parliament, establishes Great British Railways (GBR), a new publicly owned company. GBR will combine the management of passenger services and rail infrastructure. Headquartered in Derby, GBR will be accountable to passengers, freight customers, and taxpayers. The company will coordinate track and train operations, costs, and revenue. The aim is to create a more unified railway with easier journeys and better value for money. GBR will introduce a one-stop-shop app for checking train times and booking tickets.

Key Elements of the Railways Bill

The bill includes a strengthened passenger watchdog to investigate poor service, demand improvements, and provide a clear complaints process. Fare and ticketing reform is planned, allowing passengers to purchase tickets through a single website and app, replacing 14 existing platforms. Tickets will still be available at station offices, vending machines, and onboard trains. Pay As You Go and other trial schemes will be expanded. GBR will grow rail freight, providing freight operators with long-term strategic planning, capacity allocation, and timetabling processes. Devolved governments and England’s mayors will have greater input in local railway management, improving connectivity and ensuring decisions reflect regional needs.

Government Initiatives

The government will publish an accessibility roadmap, which provides immediate actions to improve services for disabled passengers. The plan includes expanding eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard and a wider rollout of ‘welcome points’ across stations. The plan also focuses on more consistent staff training and improvements to lifts and escalators.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, highlighted the opportunity to make trains more reliable and tickets easier to use. Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, welcomed the bill’s focus on a more integrated, accountable, and passenger-focused railway. Ben Plowden, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, emphasized the importance of an accessible, affordable, and reliable rail network. Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, welcomed plans for a more joined-up rail system.

Conclusion

Company Summary

Great British Railways (GBR): A new publicly owned company combining the management of passenger services and rail infrastructure, headquartered in Derby, accountable to passengers, freight customers, and taxpayers.