The government could reopen rail lines closed in the 1960s and 1970s as part of a new strategy for the UK’s railway network during the next decade.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling is also proposing a shake-up of the current franchising system for the UK network, including the introduction of smaller train companies and the splitting up of the current Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise from 2021.
Grayling said: “The last few years have seen massive growth on Britain’s railways. This industry has reversed decades of decline under British Rail, delivered new investment and new trains, and doubled the number of passengers.
“But now we need to build on that success by building a new model for the 2020s and beyond, one more able to deal with the huge rise in passenger numbers and the challenges of an increasingly congested network.
“Rail passengers deserve a more reliable, more efficient service – and I will deliver it by ending the one-size-fits-all approach of franchising and bringing closer together the best of the public and private sector.”
The new rail strategy is to look at restoring some of the capacity lost during the Beeching cuts to British Rail’s network in the 1960s and 1970s.
The government is already planning to reopen the rail line between Oxford and Cambridge, and will look at restoring other former lines that can “unlock new housing or economic growth and offer good value for money”.
Grayling also wants to improve passenger experience including offering compensation for train services that are more than 15 minutes late.
There will be a consultation into the future of the Great Western franchise, including a proposal to create a West of England franchise providing long-distance services between London, Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.
Although the current operator of the Great Western franchise, First Group, is being asked to make a proposal to extend the existing franchise to 2022 to “provide a period of stability” before any major changes are made.