News Briefing – UK railway ‘shake up’ – season ticket changes
The government announces the biggest ‘shake up’ to the UK’s railways since it was privatised in the mid-1990s.
The changes will include the creation of a new state-owned body, Great British Railways (GBR) that will set timetables and prices, manage infrastructure and sell tickets in England.
The changes will make travel smoother and better the rail service. Changes to the way you purchase and season tickets are the top priority.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he can not guarantee the new changes will not lead to train fares in England rising.
More Rail Promises by GBR
Rail passengers have been promised a better and more efficient service under the biggest shake-up in decades.
A new state-owned body, Great British Railways (GBR), will set timetables and prices, sell tickets in England and manage rail infrastructure.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said it would replace an “overcomplicated and fragmented” system.
He told the BBC the changes did not mean fares would inevitably rise, but could not give guarantees.
Asked on Today if the changes meant rising ticket prices, Mr Shapps said: “No, is the answer”. But he added: “I’m not here to give guarantees for years to come.”
Labour said there was “little substance” behind the plans.