Department for Transport train – the “whole-system” approach that will streamline processes, improve efficiency and speed up decision-making. This will instil a strong sense of confidence the private sector wants and needs, as well as providing the confidence, efficiency and value for money that the taxpayer deserves and expects. It will be a model that fosters long-term stability for suppliers, by providing a platform – along with the Government’s Long-Term Strategy for Rail and its Rolling Stock and Infrastructure Strategy – for longstanding partnerships with companies, as well as the building blocks for innovation that will benefit both the private sector and customers equally. It will be a model that ensures strong commercial relationships remain at the heart of a transformed UK rail network. One example of this will be the statutory duty for GBR to promote rail freight and to have a rail freight growth target set by the Secretary of State. On top of this, GBR will also create a new strategic freight unit to act as a single point of contact for stakeholders and customers. That means giving freight
customers a clearer voice, simpler access to the network, and greater confidence that rail can support their long-term needs. Network Rail already spends around £8 billion a year in the private sector, and around 60 per cent of GBR’s expenditure could be spent in the private sector.
competitive “A railthriving, supply chain, both domestic and international, will continue to be an essential component of the railway.
development, such as the nearly 34,000 homes unlocked by East West Rail alone. We remain committed to harnessing private investment and driving growth in a reformed rail sector under the single leadership of GBR working closely with our private sector partners to secure the best outcomes for passengers, customers, taxpayers and suppliers, while supporting the communities the railway serves. Richard Goodman Director General
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The creation of GBR will also generate further opportunities in the wider economy for the private sector. Development of unused brownfield rail sites will be a key part of rail reform. Investment in our railway is already supporting a huge amount of
Image: Department for Transport
InnoTrans 2026
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