A Bill to require the Secretary of State to assume control of passenger rail franchises when they come up for renewal; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
15 May 2014
The Railways Bill would require the Secretary of State to take over the management of passenger rail franchises when their current agreements come up for renewal, shifting control from private operators to the government. It includes provisions to support this approach and for related measures to be put in place. In short, it moves renewal decisions for passenger rail services toward direct government oversight.
The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage for detailed examination, followed by the third reading and, if approved, passage to the House of Lords.
Generated 21 February 2026
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
