Arriva responds to UK Government's 'George Bradshaw Address' on rail reform

Commenting on the UK Transport Secretary of State’s ‘George Bradshaw Address’ on rail reform, David Brown UK Trains Managing Director said:

“It’s positive to hear the Secretary of State reiterate the government’s commitment to delivering fundamental reform and fixing the challenges facing the railways.

 “At Arriva we have long called for reform at pace, which builds on the very best of what the rail industry does and delivers cost-effective, modernised services for customers and communities.

 “It is welcome news that the focus has moved from diagnosing well-understood challenges to delivering action for the post-pandemic age, including through change that doesn’t require legislation and ensures customers quickly experience improvements and the taxpayer benefits. Arriva are ready and willing to help the railways grow and generate revenue to reduce taxpayer subsidy through our commercial expertise and understanding of what customers want.

“It is particularly pleasing to see government commitment to supporting more open access services where it benefits passengers and taxpayers. We know through our stewardship of Grand Central and by watching other open access operations, the innovation and customer-focused improvements that can be delivered through such services.   

“We are calling for an Open Access Summit bringing together government, the regulator, industry, Network Rail and the Great British Railways Transition Team to collectively work through the barriers and blockers and agree practical steps for unleashing more of these innovative services, including through making best use of unused capacity on the network.”