News

• The Great British Rail Sale runs from 23 January to 29 January.
• 50% off train journeys across England and Wales between 30 January and 15 March.

GBRTT's Director of Passenger & Freight Services chats with Michelle Craven-Faulkner from Shoosmiths. 

• Following today’s Government announcement of a rail freight growth target of at least 75% growth by 2050, Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) has published the summary of feedback received in response to a national Call for Evidence.
• The Call for Evidence feedback was used by GBRTT to develop a number of options for Ministers for a rail freight growth target.
• The Call for Evidence revealed there is strong support for a long-term growth target, which will help underpin the decarbonisation of national logistics chains. Respondents felt a target would rally the sector, bringing private and public organisations together, to unlock latent demand.

• Analysis of the latest rail statistics by Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) showed revenue from rail travel grew by 10%, when comparing the second quarter this year to the same last year
• Responding to increased demand, some train companies have proactively added more trains to their schedules this December
• The quarter-on-quarter comparison indicates a maturing of rail’s revenue recovery. More strike days meant revenue for July to September only increased by 1% compared to the three months prior
• Rail still faces a sizable gap in its finances and GBRTT is calling for the industry to work together to go for growth

Culture is what people do when no one is looking. Most of us want to do the right thing, but misaligned interests and habitual mistrust can get in the way of that.

• West Midlands Rail Executive and Great British Railways Transition Team are working on a partnership to deliver a more locally accountable railway in the West Midlands.
• The partnership will support better integration of rail into the wider public transport and active travel network in West Midlands, making journeys easier for customers.
• The partnership will deliver simplification of rail fares and integrated ticketing, aiming to achieve best value for passengers.

• Analysis of the latest rail statistics shows revenue from leisure travel grew by a fifth (19%) quarter-on-quarter
• Commuting (+6%) and business travel (+8%) also saw an uplift in the second quarter of this year (1 April to 30 June 2023), as more people are going into the office on more days
• GBRTT is bringing the industry together to better meet the needs of today’s customers, including by making ticketing simpler and better value for money, and improving communications and information
• Although this quarter has seen an uplift, rail still faces a sizable hole in its finances and GBRTT is calling for the industry to work together to go for growth

Our recommendations to Government

Our response to the King's Speech

• Transport for Greater Manchester and Great British Railways Transition Team are working on a partnership to deliver a more locally accountable railway in Greater Manchester
• Partnership aims to support ‘London-style’ transport network with integrated rail, bus, Metrolink and active travel in one, simple to use system
• Today marks the formal start of partnership working between local transport and national railway leaders

An recent interview with Rail Business Daily

• A year-long programme confirmed by the rail industry to celebrate 200 years of train travel in 2025
• A once-in-a-generation opportunity to inspire young people about rail