WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols has welcomed the Government announcement to bring all trains in the UK under one operator – Great British Railways.
In the 1990s, the Conservatives privatised the railways and since then they have been run by private companies through a franchising system. This system and its confusing cobweb of different operators, who frequently let down passengers through cancellations and increasing prices, will all now be abolished and run under one publicly accountable operator.
This means whether you catch the train at Warrington Central, Bank Quay, Birchwood, Padgate or Glazebrook, at whichever time you choose, all services will soon be run by Great British Railways.
The new train design features a red, white and blue colour scheme and sharp angles to create a striking and memorable design mirroring the Union Flag. The GBR logo has also been revealed, featuring the iconic double arrow symbol in a nod to Britain’s proud railway heritage.
Charlotte Nichols MP said: “Commuters have been campaigning for years to do something about our fragmented rail system.
“Having different companies which often put profit before passengers, has not only meant our railways have been unreliable, but the taxpayer has also had to subsidise the network whilst these companies make a profit. Our journeys should not be a cash cow into private pockets.
“No longer will passengers be stung by confusing tickets, or for getting on the wrong train, the rail system will now be simplified now that there will be one operator of all our services.
“Now that the railways will soon be under public control, we have also taken the decision to freeze rail fares for the first time in 30 years.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “The future of Britain’s railways begins today. I’m immensely proud to unveil the new look for Great British Railways as we deliver landmark legislation to nationalise our trains and reform the railway so it better serves passengers.
“This isn’t just a paint job – it represents a new railway, casting off the frustrations of the past and focused entirely on delivering a proper public service for passengers.
“With fares frozen, a bold new look and fundamental reforms becoming law, we are building a railway Britain can rely on and be proud of.”
The British Railways Bill was debated in the House of Commons last week and follows the government’s decision to freeze rail fares for the first time in 30 years to put money back in passengers’ pockets and ease the cost of living for hard-working people.
The bill will create Great British Railways, which will bring together 17 different organisations, cut through the frustrating bureaucracy and lack of accountability that continues to plague the railways and instead run Britain’s railways as a single organisation for the first time in decades.
