Following South Western Railway’s returning to public ownership, Stephen Morgan MP, Member of Parliament for Portsmouth, has 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.
Commenting, Stephen Morgan MP for Portsmouth South said:
“By establishing Great British Railways, this Government is delivering a long-awaited change that will be transformative for Portsmouth people that have had to endure an outdated system for too long.
“A new app will be accompanying the launch of Great British Railways, making ticket purchasing easier and ensuring that passengers always get the best value.
“This follows another significant announcement that rail fares would be frozen until March 2027.
“We need a rail network that works for all of us across Britain, and that is what Labour has strongly dedicated their efforts to achieving.
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.
