Transport

Transition to Public Ownership of Chiltern Railways It has been officially announced that on Sunday, 20 September 2026, the operations of Chiltern Railways have transitioned into public ownership in accordance with the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act. This change marks a significant milestone in the rail industry, as it reflects a shift towards a more inclusive and publicly accountable transport system. The services are now operated by Chiltern Rail Limited, a new subsidiary under the umbrella of the public corporation DfT Operator Limited (DFTO). This new structure aims to enhance the delivery of rail services across the country, ensuring they meet the needs of the public. Progress Towards Great British Railways As the vision for Great British Railways (GBR) takes shape,...

Announcement of the Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Strategy I am pleased to share with the House the joint publication by my department and DfT Operator Limited (DFTO), the governmental body responsible for rail ownership, of the Great British Railways’ rolling stock and infrastructure strategy, released on 28 September 2026. As this announcement coincided with the conference recess, I am taking the earliest opportunity to inform the House today. This strategy delineates a comprehensive long-term framework outlining how Great British Railways will approach the planning and delivery of rolling stock alongside the infrastructure that supports it. By fostering integrated decision-making, establishing clearer priorities, and promoting a more coordinated pipeline of activities, the strategy a...

New Standards for Accessibility on Great British Railways The Transport Secretary has announced a significant initiative aimed at enhancing accessibility across the rail network, with new Great British Railways (GBR) trains designed to facilitate unassisted level boarding as standard. This initiative is part of the government's broader commitment to improve the travel experience for millions of passengers, including those with disabilities, older individuals, parents with pushchairs, and anyone travelling with luggage. The goal is to make journeys easier and more manageable for all. As part of the strategy unveiled on 28 September 2026, GBR will ensure that all new trains are equipped for level boarding between the train and platform wherever feasible. This move represents a substantial st...

Government Explores Public Ownership for Train Services The government is set to consider public ownership of trains as part of a new strategy aimed at enhancing passenger experiences and providing better value for taxpayers. This initiative, announced on 28 September 2026, signifies a shift in the approach to railway operations across Great British Railways (GBR), where the focus will be on creating a cohesive and modern rail network. For the first time in three decades, the railway system will adopt a coordinated strategy through GBR, which will encompass decisions regarding trains, track, depots, and maintenance. This holistic approach aims to ensure that investment is systematically planned across the entire network rather than in isolated segments. Revolutionising Train Procurement Th...

Significant Increase in Free Bus Travel for Under-16s This summer, over 14.5 million children in England took advantage of free bus travel, a remarkable statistic attributed to the government’s Great British Summer Savings Scheme. The initiative allowed youngsters aged between 5 and 15 to embark on fun-filled excursions to beaches, parks, and museums without any cost, significantly easing the financial burden on families during the holiday season. The Summer Bus Fare Offer, running from 1 to 31 August 2023, enabled families to save on travel expenses, with child fares typically priced at up to £2. The scheme not only provided an opportunity for children to explore their local areas but also played a crucial role in boosting ridership for bus operators across the nation, as highlighted by t...

Celebrating World Maritime Day 2026 On Thursday, 24 September 2026, member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will convene to observe World Maritime Day. This significant occasion, first marked in 1978, serves to acknowledge and honour the invaluable contributions of seafarers and the maritime industry to global trade and safety. The celebrations in 2026 and 2027 will centre around legislation and international maritime regulations, examining how enforcement, training, and technical support can enhance the safety of our seas. This year's theme, "From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence," encapsulates the ongoing efforts of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), which is committed to developing maritime standards and ensuring their implementation through...

New Measures for Train Cancellation Relief From Sunday, 20 September 2026, passengers facing train cancellations will have the opportunity to complete their journeys using services from alternative operators without incurring any additional costs. This significant reform aims to eliminate the frustrating limbo often experienced at stations due to cancelled trains and the subsequent financial burden of rebooking tickets. Currently, the situation leaves many passengers grappling with a system that prioritises shareholder interests over customer experience. Individuals often find themselves stranded on platforms, anxiously waiting for ticket acceptance between operators, rushing to catch alternative services, or resorting to purchasing new tickets altogether. Consequently, many have missed im...

Free Rail Travel for Bereaved Military Families This Remembrance Weekend This upcoming Remembrance weekend, taking place on 7th and 8th November 2026, will see hundreds of bereaved military family members able to travel by train at no cost. This initiative aims to facilitate attendance at memorial services and commemorative events, allowing families to honour their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Armed Forces. For the first time, one next of kin of each service member who has died in the line of duty will be entitled to free travel on National Rail services during this poignant weekend. This new provision builds upon the existing free travel scheme available for current personnel and veterans, alleviating the financial burden on families and encouraging thei...

Investment in a Modern Rail Network Passengers in the North of England are set to experience significant improvements in their train journeys, thanks to a substantial investment of approximately £1 billion in a new fleet of trains. This funding initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at revitalising Britain's rail network and placing the needs of passengers at the forefront of railway services. The new fleet will consist of 29 battery-electric trains designed for the TransPennine Express service, which will be manufactured at the historic Litchurch Lane Works in Derby. This initiative exemplifies the potential of Great British Railways (GBR) to enhance service delivery by integrating train manufacturing and track operations. This investment not only promises to modernise rail travel...

Upgrade to Enhance Passenger Comfort on Thameslink Millions of passengers using Thameslink services are poised to experience a more comfortable journey with an announcement regarding the upgrade of over 60,000 seat cushions across one of the UK's largest train fleets. This initiative is part of a broader government effort to enhance travel for commuters ahead of the establishment of Great British Railways. The upgrade, which will commence next year, is a collaboration between GTR, the publicly owned operator, and Siemens Mobility. Notably, this enhancement will not impose any additional financial burden on taxpayers, as it is encompassed within an existing contract between the two entities. The new cushions will feature advanced spring and memory foam technology, replacing the long-critici...