Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) today responded to the introduction of the Railways Bill to Parliament, describing it as “opening the door to meaningful reform” with the potential to benefit passengers, taxpayers, and the wider industry.
Anthony Smith, Chair of Independent Rail Retailers, said:
“The Railways Bill opens the door to reform – and it’s up to all of us across the industry to work together with Government and GBR to shape the future railway this country needs.
We particularly welcome the Government clearly re-affirming that independent retailers will compete in a “fair and open market” and the explicit recognition of the significant value of independent retailers who “innovate and drive up standards for passengers”.
Independent rail retailers have already transformed how people experience rail travel – using technology, data and innovation to make journeys simpler, fairer, and more affordable. A successful outcome from this Bill will mean the creation of market conditions which ensure all retail players are treated genuinely fairly alongside Great British Railways, so that everyone stands to gain from the innovation at our fingertips.
We look forward to working closely with the Department for Transport and Great British Railways to ensure this Bill and its secondary legislation provide the long-term certainty needed for independent retailers to thrive – helping fill empty seats, grow passenger numbers, and support a more sustainable railway for the future.”
