Keith Williams (pictured), the independent chair of the Government's ‘root and branch’ Rail Review has said the current rail franchising system 'cannot continue'.
The former British Airways chief executive and deputy chairman of John Lewis Partnership said: 'I have heard a great deal about the franchising model….driving growth in passengers and benefits to services. But with this growth the needs of passengers have changed whilst many of the basic elements of our rail system have not kept pace.
'Put bluntly, franchising cannot continue the way it is today. It is no longer delivering clear benefits for either taxpayers and farepayers.'
The Rail Review was launched last year in response to a series of major failings on the network including the time table debacle, major strike action, arguments over driver only operation, failing and delayed upgrade plans and spiralling Network Rail debt.
Mr Williams added: 'We need to recognise that there is unlikely to be a ‘one size fits all’ solution which will work for every part of the country and all types of passenger.
'We need to do more on making it easier for customers to access the compensation they are entitled to and improving accessibility for all users, including disabled people.
'I’ve asked the [the regulator, the Office of Rail and Road] ORR to advise me on what more could be done by rail operators to improve this, and whether more regulatory powers are required to ensure it happens. They will report back within the timescale of the review recommending action to help transform compensation and accessibility across the network.'
The review is due to make its recommendations in the autumn and the Government will publish a white paper, with the implementation of reforms planned to start from 2020.
Mr Williams argued there was real 'hunger for change' inside the industry as well as outside.
When asked by Transport Network what his recommendation would be, rail expert Christian Wolmar said: 'I would go for big integrated groupings rather like the interwar (period). Inevitably, they would have to be in the public sector as Network Rail is already but they must not be managed by DfT.'
Tom Thackray, CBI infrastructure and energy director, said: 'Since privatisation, the UK rail industry has improved its performance on investment, jobs and contribution to the economy.
'However, the current system is not without its flaws, and could perform better on punctuality and fares. Improved accountability is also needed to improve the passenger experience.
'Business seeks ambitious recommendations from the Williams Review for the private sector. These must ensure that the UK rail industry works in the best interests of passenger and freight customers, and delivers prosperity for the whole of the UK.'
The annual Bradshaw Address is named in honour of George Bradshaw (1800 to 1853), who developed the Bradshaw’s Guide to the railways.
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