Many constituents have contacted me about Northern Rail and the Government’s Rail Review.
Whilst I believe that privatisation of the railways has been a success, with passenger journeys having more than doubled from 735 million in 1994-5 to 1.73 billion in 2016-17, I recognise that accommodating this growth in demand for rail travel is challenging. I, therefore, welcome that Ministers have launched a root-and-branch review into rail operations.
The review is being independently chaired by Keith Williams, who brings valuable experience as deputy chairman of John Lewis and as a former chief executive of British Airways.
The review will make recommendations aimed at ensuring the best possible delivery of services for passengers. It has been exploring a wide range of areas, including the current franchising model, the industry’s structures, industrial relations, innovation, as well as value for money and accountability.
Ministers have committed to producing a White Paper in 2020 informed by the recommendations of the review, to deliver genuine and lasting reform.
In the meantime, the Government will continue to take steps to improve passenger experiences, further implementing key elements of its Strategic Vision for Rail. This includes enhancing services and upgrading infrastructure, as well as rolling out smart ticketing and establishing a Rail Ombudsman.
Over the next five years, £47.9 billion will be invested in the rail network to ensure it provides the modern customer services that passengers expect.
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