Research and analysis - The role of the railway in Great Britain: an evidence paper

This evidence paper reviews the role of the railway in Great Britain, and its costs and benefits. It is the first of a series of evidence papers that will:

• inform the debate around the Rail Review
• set out the factual evidence base on which the review will build its recommendations

Background

The government’s aim is for a world-class railway, working seamlessly as part of the wider transport network and delivering opportunities across the nations and regions of Great Britain. The Williams Rail Review was established in September 2018 to recommend the most appropriate organisational and commercial structures to ensure the railways can deliver greater benefits for passengers and freight users and continue to support a stronger, fairer economy.