The Public Ownership Bill poses a significant transformation of railways in UK history, with management moving from private to public ownership.
The Public Ownership Bill is a concept introduced as part of the Labour railway plans. The bill aims to bring passenger railway services back into the ownership of the UK public, with UK trains being integrated into the public sector once again.
Passenger Railway Services Public Ownership Bill 2024-2025 was introduced by Government in the House of Commons on 18 July 2024. The Bill aims to combine management of most passenger trains services and railway infrastructure across UK railways, resulting in British rail reform.
The objective of the railways Public Ownership Bill is to unveil a publicly owned and accountable rail system that prioritises the needs of passengers and communities. Under this new proposal, a single, integrated public operator would oversee UK trains services. International examples of public ownership strengthen the case for reform. Countries such as Germany, France, and Switzerland currently operate successful state-run railways. These are widely recognised for their efficiency, reliability, and affordability by passengers and industry spokespeople.
The passenger railway services Public Ownership Bill also aligns closely with broader public opinion. Polls consistently show that much of the British public support British rail reform and believe the UK’s railways should be run in the public interest in the long term.
The railways Public Ownership Bill is viewed as a potential gateway for large-scale re-invention and opportunity – resulting in economic and environmental gain.
Overall, the Rail Public Ownership Bill has the potential to introduce a variety of opportunities for UK railways; creating investment and opportunity for a network that, as a nation, we rely upon daily.
The Public Ownership Bill introduces a tangible direction for UK rail reform that prioritises the needs of passengers, communities, and the planet. The Bill has sparked an important national conversation about railway privatisation, who should own and operate the railways in the UK, and what kind of transport future we want to build.
CIRO is at the forefront of the industry, working with other partners, educators and companies to create a better future. By providing ongoing support and guidance, training opportunities and industry insight to professionals within the rail industry, CIRO are integral in the successful delivery of railway privatisation.
Privatisation of railways in the UK was introduced in 1993.
Most UK rail passenger services are owned and managed by privately owned railways companies.
As contracts with existing UK train companies and the Department for Transport naturally expire, The Bill will reintroduce passenger train operators into the public sector once again, resulting in UK rail reform.
