Britain's rail network set for major reform

Johnson vows to deliver a new system, but is criticized for 'talking good game'

The British government will take more control of the nation's railway system with a new state-owned body it described as "a single, familiar brand with united, accountable leadership"-a move seen as the biggest change to the industry in more than 25 years.

In a statement on Thursday, the government revealed its long-awaited overhaul review plan for the network, announcing that the new body, Great British Railways, or GBR, will integrate the railways, own the infrastructure, collect fare revenue, operate and plan the network, and set timetables.

The government said COVID-19 has caused "deep, structural challenges to the railway", with use still "far below pre-pandemic levels", adding that "billions" would be invested in "more electrification, new and reopened lines" and an overall "rail revolution".

In comments issued with the government statement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "I am a great believer in rail, but for too long passengers have not had the level of service they deserve. By creating Great British Railways and investing in the future of the network, this government will deliver a rail system the country can be proud of."

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "Our railways were born and built to serve this country, to forge stronger connections between our communities and provide people with an affordable, reliable and rapid service.

"Years of fragmentation, confusion and over-complication have seen that vision fade and passengers failed. That complicated and broken system ends today."

The changes will simplify the industry, with "franchises replaced by contracts" that will encourage "punctuality and efficiency", The Guardian newspaper reported.

The opposition Labour Party said the rail review did not answer key questions about rising costs, and suggested little will change, because the system will remain substantially privatized.

Labour's shadow transport secretary, Jim McMahon, was quoted by the Press Association as saying it was "yet another example of ministers talking a good game, with very little substance underneath". He said a lack of detail on ticket prices for average commuters rendered the review "meaningless".

In comments released with the government statement, the independent chair of the rail review and former British Airways boss Keith Williams said: "Our plan is built around the passenger, with new contracts which prioritize excellent performance and better services, better value fares and creating clear leadership and real accountability when things go wrong."

Williams was commissioned after a railway timetable overhaul turned to chaos in the summer of 2018, with daily cancelations. He said at the time he was seeking "revolution not evolution".

On Thursday, he said: "Our railway history-rich with Victorian pioneers and engineers, steam and coal, industry and ingenuity-demands a bright future. This plan is the path forward, reforming our railways to ensure they work for everyone in this country."