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Britain's Railways Get Shadow Great British Railways Boost

Shadow GBR is here to transform Britain's railways. With a new unified body and tap-in, tap-out technology, passengers can expect smoother journeys and better value.

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1 min read
In this picture there is a train on the railway track. At the back there are boards and there are...
In this picture there is a train on the railway track. At the back there are boards and there are railings. At the top there are lights on the roof and there is sky. At the bottom there is a floor and there is a railway track.

Britain's Railways Get Shadow Great British Railways Boost

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has unveiled plans to transform Britain's railways with the launch of Shadow Great British Railways (Shadow GBR). The initiative aims to end chaos and disruption on journeys, creating a stronger, more reliable network. The government's Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill is currently making its way through Parliament, promising to prioritise passengers and save taxpayers up to £150 million annually.

Shadow GBR is a stepping stone towards Great British Railways (GBR), a unified body overseeing both services and infrastructure. Laura Shoaf CBE, currently Chair of Shadow GBR, will lead the new authority once the law for transferring passenger rail services to public companies is passed by Parliament. The new body brings together leaders from the Department for Transport, Network Rail, and publicly-owned operators.

To enhance passenger experience, tap-in, tap-out technology will be rolled out at an additional 45 stations in 2025, thanks to £27 million of government funding. Additionally, a special rail sale offering up to 50% off train tickets is planned for early 2025, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Britain's passenger railways. Meanwhile, the third annual CiTTi Awards will be held on 26 November 2024 in London, recognising achievements and innovations in sustainable public transport planning.

The launch of Shadow GBR marks a significant step towards a more efficient and passenger-focused railway system. With Laura Shoaf CBE at the helm, the new unified body promises improved services and infrastructure. The upcoming rail sale and technology rollouts further demonstrate the government's commitment to enhancing passenger experience, while the CiTTi Awards celebrate the progress made in sustainable transport planning.

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