The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILTUK) welcomes the Government’s plans to simplify and improve the rail system of Great Britain through Great British Railways (GBR) announced today, but says success will rely on clear leadership, accountability, and strong collaboration across the industry.

CILT(UK) recognises the urgent need for reform, given ongoing fragmentation, declining passenger confidence, and high taxpayer subsidy levels. The Institute supports the principle of a more integrated and customer-focused railway - bringing track and train closer together under one guiding mind - provided that innovation, local responsiveness, and competition are preserved.

Freight users, in particular, need to benefit from a joined-up, efficient network that enables greater capacity, reliability, and greener supply chains.

Anna-jane Hunter, Chair at CILT(UK), who has extensive experience leading teams within Network Rail, Train Operating Companies, and multi-agency industry groups, said: “CILT(UK) welcomes the Government’s ambition to simplify and improve the rail system in Great Britain. The success of Great British Railways will depend on achieving a balance between national coordination and local responsiveness, while preserving opportunities for innovation and competition.

“There should also be a strong focus on balancing the needs of both freight customers and passengers, ensuring that each group is consulted, treated fairly, and well supported. This balance will help ensure that freight capacity and investment decisions fully reflect the growing demand for sustainable logistics. CILT(UK) stands ready to work with Government and industry partners to help make this vision a success.”

In supporting the direction of rail reform, CILT(UK) notes that several elements of the Government’s proposals align with its long-standing policy positions, including:

• Greater integration of infrastructure and operations to improve planning, train performance and accountability.
• Simplified fares and ticketing to support seamless multimodal journeys.
• A clear, long-term national strategy for rail that offers stability for freight and investment. This should include a published freight growth target – supporting the shift from road to rail.
• Alignment of reforms with the UK’s sustainability and net-zero objectives.
• An integrated rail system for Great Britain that ensures devolved administrations, both national and regional, work together under a coherent framework and as part of a coherent network, rather than as separate entities. This will help create a truly unified and effective rail system serving all parts of Great Britain.

Anna-jane added: “CILT(UK) supports the principle of rail reform aimed at delivering a simpler, more reliable, and better-value railway for both passengers and freight customers alike. The Institute believes that success will depend on clear governance, partnerships with devolved and private-sector stakeholders, and a sustained commitment to innovation, skills, and economic growth including the importance of freight services within such commitments. But as always, the devil is in the detail - ensuring effective implementation will be key to realising the Government’s ambitions.”

As an evidence-led professional body, CILT(UK) also identifies several areas where further clarity is required before the reforms can be fully endorsed, including:

• Governance and accountability: How GBR will be held to account for performance, customer satisfaction, and value for money.
• Devolution: Clarity on how GBR will work with devolved administrations, city regions, and local transport authorities.
• Freight: The current plan lacks sufficient detail on how rail freight will be integrated within the new structure. A clear, strategic plan is needed to ensure freight growth is embedded in GBR’s remit and that non-passenger services can use the new network effectively and efficiently. Freight is a critical enabler of the UK economy, supporting supply chains, reducing road congestion, and contributing to net-zero objectives.
• Transition risks: Managing the shift to a single organisation carefully to avoid disruption and any impact on safety.
• Industry innovation: Ensuring integration does not stifle innovation or commercial initiative from operators.
• Skills and workforce: Addressing skills shortages in areas such as digital signalling and decarbonisation through proactive workforce planning and professional development.

CILT(UK) recommends that Government and GBR ensure:

1. Transparent performance frameworks with published KPIs on reliability, efficiency, and satisfaction.
2. Statutory advisory roles for regional, local, and freight partners.
3. Open data and ticketing platforms to enable third-party innovation and customer choice.
4. Freight growth, economic resilience, and sustainability targets embedded within GBR’s duties.
5. Professional standards, training, and workforce development built into organisational design.
6. Continuous consultation with industry throughout the transition period.

Anna-jane concluded: “CILT(UK) is well placed to play a leading role in helping to shape the next phase of rail reform. With its cross-sector expertise, independent voice, and strong links to both freight and passenger communities, the Institute can help government and industry deliver a rail system that is integrated, accountable, and future-ready. By working collaboratively with Great British Railways, devolved authorities, and private partners, CILT(UK) can ensure that this project achieves its full potential - creating a railway that drives innovation, supports economic growth, and meets the needs of all users.”