Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
On 20 May 2021, the Government announced the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail - a strategy to transform Britain’s railways.
[edit] Great British Railways (GBR)
The reforms will address fragmentation of the railway system by uniting them under the management of Great British Railways (GBR). The Government does not see this as renationalisation, but instead as simplification.
This newly created public body will plan and operate the network, own the infrastructure and collect most fare revenue. Under this arrangement, the goal will be to provide coordinated rail services and better integration with other transport services such as buses. GBR will contract private partners to operate the trains based on the timetable it sets.
[edit] Management role
Simpler structures and clear leadership will make decision-making easier and more transparent, reduce costs and make it cheaper to invest in modern ways to pay, upgrade the network and deliver new lines. These changes will set out to transform the railways by making them more accountable to taxpayers and the Government.
Under the plan, freight operations will primarily remain in the private sector market.
[edit] Reaction
Chris Richards, ICE Director of Policy said, "While it's good to see a more strategic approach to rail enhancements, there are a few additional questions that need to be addressed to ensure the public get the rail system they need".
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Collaboration needed to deliver national and regional transport strategies.
- Government construction and infrastructure pipelines.
- Infrastructure.
- Infrastructure nationalisation.
- Integrated transport system.
- Planning the infrastructure transition to net-zero.
- Railway engineering.
- Union Connectivity Review calls for UK-wide strategic transport network.
- Why demolition and infilling are blunt weapons in the management of historic structures.
[edit] External resources
- Department for Transport, Great British Railways: The Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail.
Featured articles and news
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.