In October, the Secretary of State for Transport, announced that a major Transport Bill focused on rail transformation will not be introduced in this session of Parliament. She said that in the meantime, the Department for Transport is looking at what changes it can implement without the need for primary legislation.[1]
Railways across the country have been disrupted over the last five months by industrial action. Members of three rail unions have taken part in a series of one-day strikes over pay, working conditions and job security. Also, several train operating companies (TOCs) running services into London have this year introduced or announced timetable changes resulting in reduced services for Londoners.
Tomorrow, the London Assembly Transport Committee will investigate several rail issues:
- The progress made on rail reform since the Committee’s previous investigation into the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail
- The work being carried out by the Government and the Great British Railways Transition Team on implementing the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail
- The rail industry’s actions to make shorter term improvements while we wait for the full review to be implemented.
- The causes and impact on rail passengers in London of recent industrial action and timetable changes.
The guests are:
- Anit Chandarana, Lead Director, Great British Railways Transition Team
- Arthur Leathley, Chair, London TravelWatch
- Andy Bagnall, Chief Executive, Rail Partners
- Geoff Hobbs, Director of Public Transport Service Planning, Transport for London
- John Leach, Assistant General Secretary, RMT Union
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, 15 November 2022 from 10.00am, in The Chamber, at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube
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Notes to editors
- UK Parliament, Formal meeting (oral evidence session): Work of the Secretary of State for Transport, 19 October 2022
- Read the agenda papers.
- Siân Berry AM, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee is available for interview – see contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Bell on 07887 832 918. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.