North Devon could see changes with new rail public ownership plan

The Department for Transport has announced a landmark shift in UK rail policy with the introduction of the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill to Parliament on July 18. 

This bill, unveiled in the King’s Speech, marks a significant overhaul of the rail sector, putting the focus on public ownership and aiming to improve train services across the country.

The new legislation seeks to address years of subpar rail performance by making public sector operation the default option for rail services, rather than a last resort. 

The move is part of a broader initiative by the Government to put transport at the heart of its mission, ensuring that passenger services are run with a focus on efficiency, quality, and reliability.

For North Devon, this change could have meaningful implications. 

Tim Steer, Vice Chair of the Tarka Rail Association, highlighted the importance of supporting infrastructure in conjunction with housing development. 

He noted that while additional rolling stock for North Devon and Dartmoor lines would be beneficial, the effectiveness of government ownership will depend on the implementation and management of the services.

Tim said: "It is vital that existing and future housing has the relevant supporting infrastructure; the planning reform needs to reflect this balanced narrative.  District planners have challenged large scale housing developments to the point that (when fully/over developed), many areas are now unsustainable in terms of supporting infrastructure.  Though any additional rolling stock to service the North Devon and Dartmoor lines would be welcomed, we must understand that government ownership of a rail company does not necessarily mean that it will operate immediately better.  

"Great Western Railway (the service operator), has shared our Tarka Rail Association's vision of two services per hour with higher capacity units and they even helped part-fund the recent initial studies for the North Devon line extension to Bideford.  I hope the English Devolution Bill set out in the King's speech can give our statutory transport combined authority Devon County Council more abilities to improve Devon's sustainable transport. With DCC charged in drawing up a new Local Transport Plan and including an updated Devon Metro, the future looks transformational."

The Department for Transport has criticised the current privatisation model for failing passengers, describing it as wasteful and fragmented. 

The shift to public ownership is intended to remedy these issues, delivering a more reliable and passenger-focused service.

With five bills addressing various aspects of transport, the Government’s legislative agenda promises the most extensive overhaul of the sector in a generation. 

These changes are expected to drive economic growth, unlock opportunities, and contribute to the Prime Minister’s goals of achieving net zero emissions.