Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling MP has announced a review to 'transform' the railways. The review will be led by former British Airways chief executive Keith Williams and will look at the structure of the whole rail industry. Plans for reform, which cannot come soon enough for long-suffering passengers, will be implemented from 2020.
The railway in its current form is not working for passengers. Fares continue to rise, whilst punctuality is at its lowest level for 12 years, so it is understandable that passengers have lost faith and trust in the railway.
This review must lead to much-needed reform of the franchising system and the way the railways are run. I hope to see review of the fares and ticketing system as well. The Government has promised to 'prioritise passengers', and this cannot be forgotten if trust is to be rebuilt.