Urgent Call for Submissions to Railways Bill Consultation Before Deadline

The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) is urging people to contribute evidence to the government’s Great British Railways (GBR) Railways Bill consultation before it closes on 26^th November.

The Transport Select Committee plans to scrutinise the Bill which is designed to unify the new network’s operations and infrastructure management. With the Government controlling the pace of the Bill’s progress through Parliament, the cross-party Committee is keen to quickly gather evidence from the public and key rail-sector stakeholders to help shape the final form of the legislation.

NPC Transport Working Party Chair, Tony Conway said: “The NPC supports the Committee’s call for evidence, which underlines the significant public interest in the GBR Railways Bill and its potential to reshape the nation’s rail network for decades to come. Stakeholders and members of the public are urged to ensure their voices are heard before the 26th November deadline, to help secure a railway system that meets the needs of all users.

He added: “It is worth noting that we must ensure GBR does not practice digital exclusion, and retains staffed premises while aiming to increase accessibility.”

Passenger Standards, Network Access, and Devolution are Key Concerns

The Bill is also expected to undergo ‘line by line’ scrutiny by a Public Bill Committee, which is separate to the Transport Committee. Given the significant public interest in the legislation, the Transport Committee plans to make its own contribution to ensure the Bill contains the necessary means to deliver on the government’s overall transport policy.

Notes for Editors:

The Committee has indicated that submissions to the consultation should be concise and focused on the outlined themes below to maximise their impact and avoid duplication of evidence.

There are three core elements central to the Bill’s aims: improving rail travel for passengers, network access, and the role of devolution in the future of Britain’s railways.

1. Improving Rail Travel for Passengers: The NPC emphasises the importance of robust accountability mechanisms for passenger standards in the new GBR framework. Of particular interest is the effectiveness of the Passengers’ Council—currently operating as Transport Focus—as developed by the Bill. The NPC is also closely examining whether the Bill strikes the right balance between operational autonomy and government oversight, the adequacy of fare and ticketing reforms, and the extent to which measures for improving accessibility are enshrined in the legislation.

2. Network Access: The NPC encourages scrutiny of the new arrangements for granting access to the rail network, ensuring that the interests of passengers and other users are protected. Submissions are particularly welcome on the Bill’s provisions for open access and freight operations, and how these arrangements might impact service quality, affordability, and competition within the sector.

3. Devolution: The effects of the Bill on devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales and the proposed statutory role for Mayors in England are of prime concern to the NPC. We are seeking evidence on whether the Bill achieves an appropriate balance between empowering local decision-makers and maintaining cohesive national direction, and how these changes might affect services for rail users across the UK.

To find out more and submit evidence visit: https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/3775/

ENDS