FirstGroup Calls for Passenger Protections in UK Rail Reform Plans

FirstGroup has expressed its support for the UK Government’s proposed railway reforms but has emphasised the importance of safeguarding passenger interests as the sector transitions to the new Great British Railways (GBR) structure.

The company has submitted its formal response to the government’s consultation on the forthcoming Railways Bill, which will underpin the establishment of GBR. While welcoming the intention to place passengers at the centre of the reforms, FirstGroup has raised concerns about the potential for reduced competition and oversight under a centralised rail body.

In its submission, FirstGroup highlights three key areas that it believes require attention: the role of independent regulation, protection for open access operators, and continued opportunities for private sector involvement in rail services.

The group has called for a strong, independent regulator to ensure passenger needs are prioritised under the new arrangements. It also supports giving a passenger watchdog enhanced powers to intervene if service standards are not met. FirstGroup suggests that GBR should be subject to the same oversight from the Rail Ombudsman as other operators, maintaining consistency and fairness in customer complaints processes.

A further concern raised by FirstGroup relates to the future of open access services. Operators such as Lumo and Hull Trains, which currently run without government funding, have played a role in improving connectivity and offering alternative travel options across the rail network. FirstGroup argues that open access operators should be supported to continue contributing to the wider railway by offering additional capacity and encouraging modal shift from road to rail.

The submission also outlines the importance of private sector investment, suggesting that continued involvement from non-state operators will help drive innovation and improve services. FirstGroup calls for a longer-term funding strategy for GBR to provide financial stability and support future planning.

Additionally, the company backs further devolution of transport decisions to regional and local authorities, where it believes private operators can play a supportive role in delivering services aligned with local needs.

First Rail Managing Director Steve Montgomery said:

Enhancing rail connections is critical to boosting economic growth in the UK. We have long called for reform of the railway sector, and we are keen to see new arrangements introduced which consider the customer and commercial elements of rail, alongside measures on infrastructure.

Delivered effectively, reform will ensure the industry can grow passenger numbers, generate greater revenues and develop the value of rail in a customer focused, dynamic and efficient environment. To do so, it is essential the Government considers the need for appropriate protections and controls through independent regulation of GBR, private sector investment and open access operations.

This will ensure open access operators can deliver customer benefits and drive modal shift, while playing a role in ensuring the wider railway offers best value for the taxpayer.

Across Europe, we see private sector operators co-existing with state-owned services. Such competition is healthy, necessary and in the interests of passengers. It is proven to grow the overall rail market, and it is vital the GBR model allows for the same in the UK.

FirstGroup’s full submission includes detailed policy recommendations intended to inform the development of the Railways Bill, which is expected to be introduced later in 2025.