The UK Government has announced plans for a major reform of the railway system, introducing a new passenger watchdog to oversee service standards and ensure accountability from train operators.
The initiative is part of a wider legislative effort to improve the rail network, with proposals set out in a consultation launched on 18 February 2025.
A key element of the reform is the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR), a unified body designed to bring track and train operations together. The initiative aims to address long-standing issues within the railway sector, including service disruptions, inefficient management, and complex ticketing structures.
GBR will be responsible for coordinating improvements across the network and working with the private sector to drive investment. This includes long-term planning for rolling stock and infrastructure upgrades. The government has indicated that these changes will support economic growth by making the railway more efficient and attractive to passengers.
Laura Shoaf, Chair of Shadow Great British Railways, said:GBR will fundamentally change our railways, delivering growth, connections and opportunities across the country.
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.
Rail Passenger Watchdog
The new independent passenger watchdog will focus on addressing passenger concerns, ensuring clear travel information, and simplifying rail fares. It will have the authority to hold operators accountable for service quality and intervene when complaints are not adequately resolved. Additionally, the watchdog will be empowered to set service standards, investigate recurring issues, and publish reports highlighting poor performance.
If service failures persist, the watchdog will be able to escalate matters to the railway regulator, which can take enforcement action against underperforming operators. The government aims for this measure to increase transparency and ensure that passenger needs are prioritised.
Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander said:Passengers have put up with broken railways for far too long. 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 – the priority in our Plan for Change.
As part of the proposed changes, devolved authorities will also have a greater role in shaping rail services in their regions. This is intended to enhance local integration of transport networks, making journeys more convenient and efficient.
The reforms build on existing initiatives, such as Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, which seeks to unify buses, trams, trains, and active travel routes under a single system. Similar plans are being considered for other city regions to improve accessibility and service coordination.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to overhaul how the railways are run – creating a service that puts passengers first, with more reliable trains and simpler fares and tickets.
In Greater Manchester things are already changing. We’re working in partnership with the Government and the rail industry on plans for the next phase of the Bee Network, to join-up our trains, buses, trams, and active travel routes, moving from a fragmented system to one that is more accountable to our residents. We look forward to helping shape the bill, with a statutory role for Mayors and city-regions in making the railways work for everyone.
