Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the benefits of the Great British Railways programme when it comes into effect.

Rail reform will deliver significant efficiency savings for government and the taxpayer in the long term. Benefits for passengers include:

• Improved services with tough new contracts focused on getting the trains running punctually and reliably;
• Improved ticketing options, providing commuters with significant savings;
• Modern digital payment methods; and
• Improved accessibility getting around stations and on and off trains.

The rail reform programme is expected to generate savings of approximately £1.5bn per year, five years post implementation. This is equivalent to 15% of the network’s pre-pandemic income.