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THE VISION FOR GBR
The Government and senior figures in the rail industry have clearly articulated their vision for Great British Railways. This was most succinctly set out by Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander when she delivered the George Bradshaw Address in February 2026.
Highlights Include:
Focus on the Customer:
Customers will“ become rail’ s strongest advocates” and GBR“ will be obsessed with passengers and freight”
Improved Performance: A railway which is“ boringly reliable”
Clear Leadership:
A railway with“ experts, not politicians, in the driving seat – taking responsibility and making long-term decisions, which put customers first”
Vertical Integration:
Bringing track and train together, and“ building one railway with one team – where each problem is everyone’ s problem”
Cost Reduction:
The current annual railway subsidy of £ 12 billion is“ unsustainable”
6 CIRO’ s Operational Agenda for Great British Railways