Following South Western trains returning to public ownership, Amanda Martin, Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North has today voted for the next step in the Government’s plan to build a simpler, more unified railway that delivers reliable, safe and better value journeys.
The Railways Bill will establish a new publicly owned company, Great British Railways (GBR), bringing together 17 different organisations to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication.
As part of the Bill, a new Great British Railways app and website will put tickets to Britain’s reformed railway in the palm of passengers’ hands. Passengers will be able to book directly, without booking fees, and will also benefit from the expansion of Pay As You Go trials across the country.
This follows the announcement that rail fares will be frozen for the first time in 30 years, saving commuters on the most expensive routes more than £300 a year.
To mark this new chapter, the Government have also released the GBR branding which will come to feature on trains and at stations across the entire network.
Amanda Martin MP said: “This is very welcome news for residents of Portsmouth North. Through establishing Great British Railways, the Government is taking another major step towards a rail network which works for all of us.”
“Our new GBR app will make tickets easier to buy and ensure passengers get the best value every time. Thanks to the Government’s fare freeze, tickets will be more affordable for passengers too.”
Great British Railways will run and manage the tracks and trains used by passengers every day: ending years of fragmentation, driving up standards for passengers, and making journeys easier and better value for money.
