What will ‘Great British Railways’ do for London?

What will ‘Great British Railways’ do for London?

In May this year, the Government launched the “Great British Railways: The Williams-Shapps plan for rail”. The white paper sets out its plan for a revolution on the railways. The report was written by Keith Williams, the independent Chair of the Rail Review, and the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, the Secretary of State for Transport.

On Monday, the London Assembly Transport Committee will question one of the authors of the report. The full list of guests is:

• Keith Williams, Chair, Williams-Shapps Review
• Anit Chandarana, Chief of Staff, Network Rail
• Emma Gibson, Director of London TravelWatch
• Angie Doll, Managing Director of Southern Railway & Gatwick Express
• Duncan Henry, Rail Strategy Director, Rail Delivery Group.
• Mick Whelan, General Secretary, ASLEF (The Associated Society of Locomotive Steam Enginemen and Firemen)

By replacing franchising, accelerating innovation and integrating the railways, the aim is to deliver an efficient, financially sustainable railway that meets the needs of passengers.

On Monday, the Committee will consider whether the proposals in the review will achieve their target. The meeting aims to:

1. Understand what the recommendations of the Rail Review mean for London, and to explore the future objectives for London’s rail network and passengers.
2. Investigate what the new model outlined in the rail review will mean for London and its transport network and passengers.
3. Consider the implications for the rail network nationally, and what impact this may have on Londoners, and in particular commuters.

The meeting will take place on Monday, 13 September 2021 from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1).

Media and members of the public are invited to attend – numbers may be limited.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube

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