The Transport Committee is conducting pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Rail Reform Bill. The draft Bill proposes the legislative measures needed to deliver the Government’s programme of rail reform, principally the creation of a new ‘integrated rail body’ which will have responsibility for franchising, infrastructure, operations and oversight of the rail industry in Great Britain.

UTG's response to the consultation focuses on how city region transport authorities are already playing an important part in the railway and ensuring it joins up with wider local transport networks - and the need for a clear and statutory role for these authorities, which fully utilises their expertise and ensures rail forms part of an integrated sustainable transport offer for passengers.