Franchise decisions imminent, as Shapps targets concession model
UK: Decisions about the future of the Southeastern and Great Western franchises are set to be announced imminently, according to Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps.
No immediate changes to follow Northern nationalisation
UK: The Northern franchise which is currently held by Arriva will be nationalised on March 1, Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps confirmed in a widely-anticipated announcement on January 29.
Williams Review to lead to legislation as franchising ‘not the way forward’
UK: Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris confirmed on January 21 that the forthcoming Williams Review into the future structure of the UK rail sector would lead to a white paper outlining reforms to the rail industry structure.
Govia Thameslink Railway to pilot fares reform for part-time workers
UK: A scheme to pilot proposed reforms to the national fare structure was launched by LNER on January 2, and on the same date Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps announced another pilot at Govia Thameslink Railway as well as the introduction of a fund to support further trials.
Rail industry responds to general election result
UK: Responding to the Conservative victory in the general election held on December 12, Railway Industry Association Chief Executive Darren Caplan called on ‘all parliamentarians to work with the supply sector to deliver a long-term 30-year strategy for rail, which extends well beyond five-year electoral cycles’.
Business Travel Association sets out investment priorities
UK: The Business Travel Association has published a pre-election wish-list of its long-term infrastructure investment priorities.
Williams reiterates call for UK franchising changes
FirstGroup concerned about UK franchise risk and reward
RDG proposes arms-length body to oversee UK rail
Mayor calls for TfL to replace Network Rail as infrastructure manager
Put customers first, Williams tells UK rail sector
Grayling demands 'root and branch' review of UK railway