MPs to debate Railways Bill next week
The Railways Bill will be debated in full next week, after receiving its formal First Reading in the House of Commons yesterday. MPs will hold a detailed debate next Tuesday, 11 November, when the Bill to create Great British Railways will receive its Second Reading. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander told MPs: ‘Today’s passengers are at the mercy of a complex system of poorly co-ordinated organisations, all incentivised to look inward and outsource blame. GBR will put an end to this.’
ScotRail issues procurement notice for new suburban trainsScotRail has taken the next step towards ordering new trains for suburban lines in the central belt by issuing a contract notice on the Procurement Contracts Scotland website. Potential suppliers are being invited to tender, and the new rolling stock should enter service in the early 2030s.
Government introduces 'landmark' Railways BillThe text of the Act of Parliament which will create Great British Railways will enter Parliament today. The Department for Transport said: ‘GBR will be accountable to passengers, freight customers and taxpayers and will drive a relentless focus on responding to their needs. Responsible for co-ordinating the whole network: from track and train, to cost and revenue. GBR will deliver lasting change.’
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