Next month (November), the first phase of industry engagement on the UK’s new passenger service contracts (PSCs) will begin.
PSCs are being introduced as a new way for the private and public sector to work together following the collapse of the franchising system. These contracts, part of the reforms proposed in the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, remove revenue risk from the train operating companies.
Rail PSC Day, scheduled for 4 November, will enable potential private sector bidders to find out more about the new commercial model and share their views on the development of future contracts.
In addition to maintaining partnerships with existing operators, the Department for Transport (DfT) wants to encourage new entrants into the rail market, including those from other transport sectors and outside the UK.
The hope is to bring fresh ideas, investment and innovation into the UK’s rail network.
“Our Plan for Rail will deliver the most significant reforms to our railways in a generation. Unlocking the expertise, investment and ingenuity of the private sector – including new and ambitious market entrants – is vital to delivering the reforms that put passengers first.
“I encourage all those interested in playing a central role in the future of Britain’s railways to engage with this process, helping build a railway that is fit for the future.
“Under Great British Railways, the railway will be organised in a new way, fixing the fragmentation, confusion and overcomplexity of the past. It will provide simple, sustainable and accountable leadership – one body to maintain and improve the infrastructure, foster innovation, build trust in the system and attract more passengers back to the network.”
