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Railways (Public Sector Operators) Bill

A Bill to amend the Railways Act 1993 to permit public sector railway operators; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

30 March 2015

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would change the Railways Act 1993 to allow public sector bodies to operate railway services. In effect, it gives the government the option to run railways through state-owned or publicly controlled operators instead of relying only on private franchises.

Key Points

Amends the Railways Act 1993 to permit public sector railway operators to run services.
Creates a pathway for government-led rail operations via state-owned or publicly controlled entities.
Could affect how rail services are funded, contracted and overseen, potentially shifting responsibilities from private operators to the public sector.
May have implications for rail workers, unions and employment terms where public sector operators take on services.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading stage in the House of Commons. If it advances, it would move to committee stage for detailed scrutiny, followed by further readings and consideration by the Lords.

Who is affected?

Rail industry workers and contractorsPublic sector bodies and government departments involved in transportRail passengers and freight customersTrade unions representing rail staffLocal communities served by rail services

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Railways (Public Sector Operators)

1 Jan 1970

This Bill was introduced to Parliament on 29 October 2014 under the Ten Minute Rule.

The 2014-15 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Railways (Public Sector Operators) Bill | TrackPolitics