Network
Contributing Writer rail@bauermedia.co.uk
NETWORK Rail will form the basis of Great British Railways and take over responsibility for franchising passenger operators, according to a draft Parliamentary Bill published on February 20.
However, with the Bill only a draft for consultation, there is little expectation that it will become a fully-fledged bill for Parliament to debate and pass into law before the next General Election.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper told Parliament on February 20 that the draft bill’s publication “sets in motion the plan to deliver a bold vision for future rail customers - of punctual and reliable services, simpler tickets, and a modern and innovative railway that meets the needs of the nation”.
He explained: “GBR will have responsibility for infrastructure, operations and oversight of whole industry finance where it is the franchising authority.
“It will be adaptable to changing customer needs, working in close partnership with the private sector (including train operating companies, freight operators, suppliers and innovators) to deliver a more efficient, modern rail system underpinned by better collaboration and aligned incentives, generating value and savings that will have benefits for passengers and taxpayers.”
In a note explaining what the draft bill intends to do, the Department for Transport said: “It is the government’s intention that Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (NRIL), the Network Rail company that currently carries out the infrastructure management function, will be designated as the IRB [Integrated Rail Body]. New franchising and strategic functions that the IRB is to undertake will be transferred to this company.”
It added that the transport secretary would revoke NR’s current licence to operate, and replace it with a new one as the Integrated Rail Body.
This new licence can be expected to set out what DfT wants from NR in its new guise as the IRB, which will be branded Great British Railways. Currently, it is the Office of Rail and Road that gives NR its network licence.
NR Chief Executive Andrew Haines said: “Passengers, freight customers and communities are crying out for a simpler, better railway, and the publication of the draft Bill is an important step on that journey.
“Bringing track and train together under a guiding mind is by far the best way to improve the service the railway offers, unlock the economic potential of a growing network, and reduce the burden on the taxpayer.”
Rail Partners Chief Executive Andy Bagnall said the draft bill was a useful step forward, as did Railway Industry Association Chief Executive Darren Caplan. But Caplan added that RIA wanted a full transport bill, while Bagnall said the draft version was not a substitute for legislation.
