In a landmark move set to reshape the UK’s transport landscape, the government has introduced legislation to bring the railways back into public ownership where they aren’t already. The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill, unveiled in the King’s Speech, marks the most significant overhaul of the sector in a generation.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said this initiative is a clear signal of intent, stressing the urgency of sorting out the rail system. “Rail reform is at the heart of this King’s Speech,” Haigh said. “As Passenger-in-Chief, I said we’d move fast and fix things, and that’s exactly what we’re doing with this weighty, radical legislative agenda. Our transport system is broken, but today’s bill will pave the way for better trains that work for everyone, no matter where you live.”
The new legislation comes in response to years of subpar performance and inefficiency under the privatisation model. It aims to make appointing a public sector operator the default approach for running rail services, moving away from the current fragmented and costly network. This shift is expected to enhance service reliability, affordability, and quality while significantly reducing emissions.
Haigh highlighted the crucial role of railways in ensuring nationwide connectivity and supporting economic growth. “Unlocking the full potential of our railways is essential to growing the economy and lowering emissions from transport. Publicly-owned passenger rail will put an end to years of waste and fragmentation on our railways and establish a more efficient, higher quality, and reliable service.”
The legislation forms part of a broader transport agenda, with five bills introduced to Parliament. This extensive legislative effort underscores the government’s commitment to transforming our transport infrastructure and aligning it with Keir Starmer’s missions for economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Key provisions in the transport Bills
- Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill: This bill will establish Great British Railways, a unified public rail body led by industry experts. It will manage the network and passenger services, focusing on reliability, affordability, efficiency, quality, accessibility, and safety. The bill also introduces the Passenger Standards Authority, a new watchdog to monitor standards and drive improvements across the rail sector.
- Better Buses Bill: Aimed at transforming bus services nationwide, this bill grants new powers to local leaders to take control of their services, either through public ownership or franchising. Inspired by Greater Manchester’s ‘Bee Network,’ the bill seeks to enhance service reliability and end the postcode lottery of bus services, empowering local communities to shape their transport systems.
- High Speed Rail (Crewe-Manchester) Bill: Reintroduced to deliver on broader plans for improved rail connectivity across northern England, this bill is crucial for enhancing national rail infrastructure, boosting productivity, and addressing regional inequality.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) (Revenue Support Mechanism) Bill: This legislation aims to support the production of greener aviation fuel in the UK, anticipated to add over £1.8 billion to the economy and create over 10,000 jobs by 2030. The bill includes a revenue certainty mechanism to attract investment and reduce risk for the SAF sector, complementing the government’s SAF mandate to ensure 10% of jet fuel is sustainable by 2030.
Impact on the East of England
The transport agenda is poised to bring significant benefits to the east of England. With public ownership of rail services, the region can expect improved reliability and connectivity, enhancing daily commutes and travel efficiency for residents. The Better Buses Bill will empower local authorities to revitalise bus services, addressing the long-standing issues of service inconsistency and coverage gaps, particularly in rural areas where many services have been axed.
Additionally, these reforms are likely to stimulate economic activity in the east, making it easier for businesses to operate and for workers to access employment opportunities. This focus on transportation improvement will support the region’s growth and sustainability goals, ensuring that the east of England remains a vital part of the UK’s economic landscape.
It’s unclear whether already-agreed plans for an upgrade to Ely junction in Cambridgeshire and Haughley in Suffolk will be folded into the new bill. Last year, improvements were given the green light that will create much-needed additional freight and passenger services. Funding for it was from money that had been earmarked for the now partially axed HS2 high-speed rail line.
As passenger rail contracts expire they will be taken into public ownership. This process had already begun under the Conservative government, with London North Eastern Railway (LNER) – which runs services through the western part of the region – having returned to public ownership in 2018. Greater Anglia’s contract ends in September 2026.
Strategic vision for the future
The Transport Secretary’s strategic priorities, outlined last week, align with the government’s legislative push. These reforms are designed to not only modernise the UK’s transport infrastructure but also to drive economic growth and progress toward net-zero emissions.
“This suite of transport bills will be mission-critical for kickstarting economic growth, unlocking opportunities across the country, and accelerating our journey to net zero,” Haigh affirmed. “We are committed to creating a transport system that serves everyone, delivering the reliability, efficiency, and quality that passengers deserve.”
The introduction of these bills represents a pivotal moment for UK transport, promising a future where public ownership and strategic oversight lead to a more integrated, efficient, and sustainable network. With a focus on improving passenger experience and supporting economic and environmental goals, the government’s transport agenda sets the stage for transformative change.
This article is based on a DfT press release.
