Commons2nd reading

Railways (Franchises) Bill

A Bill to require the Secretary of State to terminate a rail passenger services franchise agreement in certain circumstances; to repeal section 25 of the Railways Act 1993; to make provision for local franchising authorities in England; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Tim FarronLiberal Democrat

Parliament last updated

22 March 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Railways (Franchises) Bill would give the government power to end a rail passenger services franchise in certain circumstances, and it would repeal a provision in the Railways Act 1993. It would also establish a framework for local franchising authorities in England to take over running certain rail services, and set out related rules. The bill is sponsored by Tim Farron and is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons.

Key Points

The Secretary of State would be able to terminate a rail passenger services franchise in defined circumstances.
It repeals section 25 of the Railways Act 1993 (removing that specific rule).
It creates a framework for local franchising authorities in England to run rail franchises.
It could change who runs some rail services and how they are managed, affecting operators, passengers and local authorities.
The bill is at the 2nd reading stage in the Commons and was introduced in the Commons by Tim Farron.

Progress

The bill is presently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons, having originated in the Commons. If it passes the 2nd reading, it would move on to further scrutiny.

Who is affected?

Rail passengers and commutersLocal authorities in England (local franchising authorities)Train operating companies/rail operatorsThe Department for Transport and the Secretary of StateRail industry workers and trade unionsLocal communities served by rail services

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

10 Oct 2018

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Railways (Franchises)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Railways (Franchises) Bill | TrackPolitics