Member

7: Before Clause 3, insert the following new Clause— “Purpose of Great British Railways(1) The purpose of Great British Railways is defined by the following objectives—(a) prioritising the needs of Great British Railways passengers in decision-making,(b) delivering reliable, safe and accessible railway passenger services,(c) providing value for money for passengers and taxpayers, including consideration of the affordability of fare prices,(d) increasing passenger numbers and growing usage of the network year-on-year,(e) expanding and improving the network, including services and connectivity, and restoring or adding routes,(f) modernising working practices and innovating to improve productivity, efficiency, and passenger experience,(g) supporting economic growth and national productivity, and improving connections between towns, cities and employment centres,(h) improving the experience of disabled and vulnerable passengers and ensuring consistent access to assistance, (i) ensuring fair and transparent treatment of open access, freight and devolved operators when allocating access and charges,(j) growing rail freight, including supporting delivery of the national freight growth target,(k) strengthening the financial sustainability of the railways, reducing reliance on operating subsidy over time,(l) integrating track and train, simplifying structures, and avoiding duplication, and(m) supporting multi-modal integration with buses, trams and local transport networks.(2) The Secretary of State and Great British Railways must have regard to the purpose set out in subsection (1) in exercising their functions under this Act.”Member’s explanatory statement This new clause defines Great British Railways’ purpose.