Predictions that passenger rail franchises are set to be abolished have not been fulfilled in the Queen’s Speech, which included just one sentence: ‘Proposals on railway reform will be brought forward’. The industry has been expecting radical changes, including a greater distance between ministers and day-to-day operational details, as well as a new form of contract between government and the private sector to replace franchises. These changes may still occur, but if they are to happen they will depend on the recommendations in the forthcoming Williams Review.