The Government’s new Railways Bill – which will create a single national rail body called Great British Railways (GBR) – will be debated in the House of Commons today.
This Bill aims to simplify how our railways are run by bringing 17 separate organisations together into one for the first time in decades. The goal is to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, improve accountability, and make the rail system work better for passengers.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is a huge boost for passengers across the East Midlands. For too long, our trains have been overcrowded, unreliable, and confusing to navigate. Great British Railways will make journeys simpler, faster, and fairer for everyone.
“Passengers here will be able to plan and pay for trips more easily with the app, while investment in new trains and improved services, backed by the decision to base Great British Railways’ headquarters in Derby, will mean more seats, more comfort, and more reliable connections between our towns and cities.
“This is about giving people in the East Midlands and across the country a railway that actually works for them, one that helps people get to work, study, or visit friends and family with confidence and ease.”
Mayor Claire Ward is backing Great British Railways.Great British Railways will be responsible for maintaining and improving rail services across the country. This will include:
This Bill builds on the Government’s recent rail fare freeze, which aims to help passengers with the cost of living and keep more money in people’s pockets.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “The future of Britain’s railways begins today. I’m immensely proud to unveil the new look for Great British Railways as we deliver landmark legislation to improve the railway for passengers, which marks the beginning of a bold transformation of our trains.
“This isn’t just a paint job – it represents a new railway, casting off the frustrations of the past and focused entirely on delivering a proper public service for passengers.
“I want Britain’s railway to be one we can all not just rely on, but be proud of. That’s what we’re striving to build through this Bill and our reforms, and it’s why we’ve frozen rail fares for the first time in 30 years.”
The Railways Bill from the Government comes during Mayor Claire’s biggest transport conversation in decades, asking for views from local people on how to make transport in the East Midlands easier to use, cleaner, and better connected.
Trains are a key focus, with plans to make services more reliable, affordable, and accessible, while improving stops and routes to better connect communities. The 15-year vision also tackles congestion, air pollution, and safer, greener travel, ensuring everyone in the East Midlands has easy, reliable ways to get around by 2040.
The Mayor’s Big Transport Conversation is running until 8 February 2026 – have your say on the transport network you want to see here.