As many of you will doubtless know, on the 27th of September 1825, in the north-east of England, the world witnessed the birth of the modern railway, an event that has shaped societies across the world in countless ways. From the early days of steam engines to today’s high-speed trains, railways have connected places, people, and ideas, shaping nations and improving lives.

As we reflect on the contribution of the railways in this bicentenary year, we must look forward and positively engage in the call to action from government to help redefine our railways for the future. We have a unique opportunity to reshape the railways to help them meet the needs of passengers and businesses, helping support the economic strength of the UK.

A commitment to railway reform

The new government has made a bold commitment and taken swift action to start to reform the railways, aiming to create a more reliable, affordable and accessible system. The first transport Act of this government is the Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024, which allows the government to bring train services back into public ownership.

Alongside this, the government has promised to bring forward the Rail Reform Bill, with the consultation on it launched earlier this week. The transport secretary has emphasised that reform is about putting passengers first and ensuring that every penny spent on the railways benefits the public rather than private shareholders. The mechanism to do this will be through a new body, Great British Railways. It will oversee the rail network, with track and train working together, not as separate entities, to help improve everyday operations and overall accountability.

Alongside this, the government has also committed to the creation of a new powerful passenger watchdog, which will ensure that passenger needs are at the forefront of railway operations, providing a voice for commuters and travellers alike. While we enter the next phase of reform, it is important to remember what the railways contribute to the lifeblood of our country.

The value of railways

Railways are a vital component of a broader public transport mix, offering numerous economic, environmental and social benefits. The UK’s rail system contributes over £43bn annually to the economy, supports around 710,000 jobs, and generates £2.50 for every £1 spent on the network. Efficient rail connections enhance city productivity by enabling firms to access a wider pool of workers and customers without contributing to congestion.

Rail freight also plays a crucial role, generating £2.45bn in economic benefits annually and removing up to 129 heavy goods vehicle movements from roads with each service. This not only eases congestion but also improves road safety and reduces emissions.

Moreover, railways are also essential for achieving net zero targets. Overall carbon emissions from diesel trains are significantly lower than those from conventionally fuelled cars, and rail freight produces 76% less carbon per tonne than road transport. As more of the rail network becomes electrified, these benefits will only increase.

And when we look at the value to our broader society, the railway, just like buses, is hugely important for social cohesion by connecting communities and providing access to essential services. They help us get to work, school and college and also, importantly, to the beach or to the hills.

However, as many of us will know, our relationship with railways has been tested over the past few years. Punctuality is variable and I, for one, have been frustrated by delays and cancellations over the past few years, made worse by feeling I have been clobbered given the price of some of the tickets.

It is in this context that we must therefore welcome the government’s commitment to rail reform. It presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the railways to better serve passengers, communities and businesses. This is a chance to bring decision-making closer to the communities served, ensuring that local needs and priorities are at the heart of railway operations.

Devolution and local control

For the Urban Transport Group and its members, one of the most exciting aspects of this reform is the potential for greater devolution of railway decision-making. Regions like Liverpool City Region (LCR) and London have already demonstrated the benefits of local control. LCR, through Merseytravel, has successfully managed the Merseyrail network, achieving high passenger satisfaction as well as introducing innovative rolling stock designed in collaboration with local communities. This local control has allowed for a more responsive and passenger-focused approach, ensuring that services meet the specific needs of the community.

Similarly, London Overground, managed by Transport for London, has integrated services with the capital’s network, supporting housing and employment growth. The ability to align rail services with local development plans has stimulated private investment and ensured that new housing developments are well-served by public transport from the outset.

Investing in the future

Investment in rail infrastructure and services (locally and nationally) is also crucial for realising the full potential of the network. It is important that we learn from the debacle of HS2 (whether you supported it or not) and ensure that this farce over transport infrastructure never happens again.

The South Wales Metro project by Transport for Wales is a prime example of how targeted investment can help transform regional connectivity. The project involves significant upgrades to infrastructure, including electrification of lines and the introduction of new rolling stock, to provide high-quality, frequent services. Similarly, the Transpennine Route Upgrade is a programme that will enhance regional connectivity across the North of England. By upgrading this crucial rail corridor, we should see more frequent, reliable (hopefully) and environmentally friendly services, which will help to drive economic growth in the region.

However, if we are to really harness the economic benefits of this transformational investment, we should now look at a growth plan for this whole region, building on the work already done around Northern Powerhouse Rail and HS2. This is because investing in our rail infrastructure is not just about laying tracks and building stations; it’s about creating a network that meets the needs of our communities, supports agglomeration and spurs economic output.

Enhancing passenger experience

Improving the passenger experience is also at the heart of the government’s rail reform agenda. This includes setting up a powerful passenger watchdog to give passengers a voice and hold train operators to account, helping ensure rail services are reliable, affordable and accessible. It is also welcome that the government is focussing on fares and ticketing as part of their rail reform consultation. The introduction of pay-as-you-go ticketing and integrated fare systems, as seen in the South Wales Metro and London Overground, simplifies the travel experience for passengers and encourages greater use of public transport. I still find it amazing that we can send people to space, but we can’t have a seamless and integrated ticket system across our transport networks.

Ultimately, enhancing the passenger experience is also about more than just convenience; it’s about creating a system that people can rely on and feel proud of. Investments in station upgrades and accessibility improvements are also essential for ensuring that all passengers, including those with disabilities, can use the rail network with ease. The new rolling stock introduced by Merseyrail, with features like sliding steps to close the gap between the train and the platform, sets a benchmark for accessibility and passenger comfort. Yet, it is still pretty shocking that less than half of the 98 railway stations in Greater Manchester have disabled access.

When passengers feel valued and respected, they are more likely to choose public transport over other modes of transport.

A positive future for railways

So, as we celebrate 200 years of our railways, we stand at the threshold of a new era of reform and opportunity. The government’s commitment to rail reform, combined with the proven benefits of devolution and integration, offers a unique chance to create a railway system that truly works for the people and businesses it serves.

This is a moment to embrace the spirit of innovation that has always defined the railway industry and its supply chain, and to be positive about what reform can do to ensure that the railway flourishes as a mode in a broad public transport mix. It is right that the government is focusing on the needs of passengers, but it is also welcome that they see an important role for freight as part of a reformed rail network.

As the government consults on what reform will look like, this is our chance to ensure that the railways remain a cornerstone of our transport system, driving economic growth, supporting social cohesion, and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. The future of our railways is bright, and with the right reforms, it will be a future that benefits everyone.

Jason Prince is Director of the Urban Transport Group

This piece originally appeared in Passenger Transport magazine.

Image: HS2 staff are pictured celebrating two centuries of rail at the newly built Colne Valley Viaduct. Credit: Network Rail