Seven priorities for rail reform

30 May 2025

Ben Plowden, Campaign for Better Transport’s Chief Executive, said: “The creation of Great British Railways presents a unique opportunity to change how the rail system works – structurally, financially and operationally – to provide a better customer experience. But legislation alone will not be enough. The clear strategy proposed in the Government’s recent consultation paper must follow. This must be grounded in long-term thinking, and focused on outcomes that matter to passengers, freight users and the public.”

Campaign for Better Transport’s policy paper Track changes: making a success of rail reform outlines seven key priorities for making the Government’s programme of rail reform a success.

1. Create a strong foundation – The Government should legally establish Great British Railways through legislation as quickly as possible and then produce a clear timeline and governance plan to ensure a rapid and effective transition.
2. Finance, funding and value – The Government should commit to growing rail passenger numbers and create multi-year funding settlements to support long-term planning, reduce project costs, and provide confidence to the supply chain.
3. Passenger experience – To help improve things for passengers there needs to be better travel information, better onboard wifi connectivity and a national accessibility standard for the railway.
4. Fares and ticketing – The Government should undertake a root-and-branch reform of fares and ticketing. This should be focused on consistency and affordability with a cap on long-distance fares and a freeze of the annual fare rise until reforms are implemented. To help rebuild passenger support for the railways, the Government should introduce more flexible and refundable ticket options, a ‘Best Price Guarantee’ and a national loyalty ‘Rail Miles’ scheme.
5. Infrastructure and rolling stock – The Government should create a Whole Industry Strategic Plan so that the rail sector can plan effectively and reduce costs. It should prioritise capacity upgrades, fix bottlenecks and accelerate electrification across the network.
6. Non GBR-services – The Government should support current and future Open Access services and enable Combined Authorities to run local services with long-term funding. To prevent a conflict of interest, independent regulation should be maintained by the Office of Rail and Road over access and charges.
7. Rail freight – The Government should invest in rail freight infrastructure and create a fund for targeted electrification upgrades. Rail freight should be incentivised through lower charges and tax breaks, and given priority access on key corridors.

Mr Plowden added: “Rail has the potential to underpin the UK’s economic, environmental and societal ambitions by moving people and goods more efficiently, reducing emissions and connecting towns, cities and communities more effectively. But to realise this potential, we must quickly deliver what everyone in the rail sector wants – ending the cycle of short-term decision making and giving the railways the long-term clarity, consistent investment and strong leadership required to succeed.”

You can read Campaign for Better Transport’s policy paper Track changes: Making a success of rail reforms on its website.

ENDS

For further information please contact the press office on 07984 773 468 (calls only no texts) or communications@bettertransport.org.uk.

Notes to Editors

1. Campaign for Better Transport operates in England and Wales. Campaign for Better Transport’s vision is for all communities to have access to high quality, sustainable transport that meets their needs, improves quality of life and protects the environment. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).