Committee publication · Correspondence · 16 June 2026
Correspondence from the Minister for Rail, Department for Transport relating to Setting up of Great British Railways, dated 4 June 2026
From: Transport Committee
Summary
Lord Hendy, Minister for Rail, outlines Great British Railways' organisational structure ahead of the Railways Bill's return to Parliament. GBR will comprise three components: local Business Units (combining Network Rail routes and train operators under area leaders), specialist Divisions (providing operations, engineering and safety support), and a central Network function (setting strategy and capacity allocation). The model aims to improve accountability, integrate decision-making with local government, and enhance passenger and freight outcomes.
Key findings
- GBR will be structured into three distinct components: customer-facing Business Units run day-to-day operations in regions under locally accountable leaders; specialist Divisions providing cross-functional expertise; and a central Network function acting as system leader and setting railway strategy.
- Business Units will align broadly with Network Rail's existing Routes and Regions to minimise disruption to the live railway and deliver benefits quickly, though the structure is not final and will evolve under new leadership.
- Business Units will engage with all tiers of local government, including Mayoral Strategic Authorities in England, to deliver integrated local transport and ensure accountability sits at local level.
- Integrated railways in Southeastern, South Western and Anglia regions are already operational as blueprints for GBR's Business Unit model and are 'already driving benefits for passengers'.
- Scotland and Wales will have differentiated GBR structures reflecting devolved rail networks, with collaboration governed by published Memoranda of Understanding.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Ruth Cadbury MP, Great British Railways, Network Rail, Department for Transport, Mayoral Strategic Authorities
Notable line
“Business Units will bring together existing Network Rail routes and train operators …”
Key Quotes
“GBR's structure will be divided into three distinct components, each with a specific purpose.”
“Local, customer-facing Business Units will form the core of GBR, which will run the railway day-to-day in each area under a locally accountable leader responsible for safety, performance and customer experience.”
“Integrated railways in the Southeastern, South Western and Anglia regions are being setup now which provide the blueprint for GBR's Business Units and are already driving benefits for passengers.”
“… the Network will be in charge of determining capacity allocation in the public interest subject to its duties for even-handedness as set out in the Railways Bill.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗