TPS submits response to rail reform consultation

The Transport Planning Society (TPS) has submitted its official response to the Department for Transport’s consultation, “A railway fit for Britain’s future.”

The response was developed by the society’s 40-member Policy Panel and reflects input from across its 1,600-strong membership and 38 Stakeholder and Business Directory Members.

TPS welcomes the government's intention to establish Great British Railways (GBR) as the railway’s “directing mind”. We support the idea that the railway should play a broader role in achieving national policy goals - not just in transport, but also in economic development, environmental improvement, and social inclusion.

The response outlines key recommendations in several areas:

• Leadership and governance: TPS calls for GBR’s purpose to be clearly defined in legislation, including its role in supporting wider national objectives.
• Passenger experience: Accessibility for disabled passengers and those with mobility challenges must be embedded in future planning and investment.
• Freight and decarbonisation: TPS supports measures to grow rail freight and encourages investment in small-scale electrification to reduce diesel use.
• Ticketing and fares: TPS urges simplification of fares and ticketing, with a focus on innovation, affordability, and better user experience.
• Financial planning: Stability and flexibility in funding are both essential. TPS supports giving GBR greater autonomy within a clear five-year framework.
• Devolution and collaboration: TPS supports deeper collaboration between GBR and local, regional and devolved authorities, including sub-national transport bodies.
• Regulatory reform: Updates to train driver licensing and workforce regulation must balance progress with stability, particularly to avoid industrial disruption.

TPS also recommends that the government publish full details on the legislative process, how GBR will be established, and how its responsibilities will be defined over time.

The society looks forward to reviewing the outcomes of the consultation and engaging further as reforms progress.

To read our response in full, please click here.