Hi all, haven't posted in a while but I found an article at the end of the railway 200 timeline about the Great British Railways plan - 3 operators will end their contract and become government run - firstly what will happen to liveries and interiors of trains - secondly is this a good idea?
By the time contacts run out, it'll be the next election and if a new government comes along, they might reverse everything? What then?
1. We're not sure yet. There's a thread or two on here about it, I think they're in speculative discussion. There is reason to believe branding will be rolled out later this month, as we've had some articles suggesting it will. I guess we'll find out in a few weeks. Refurbishment of train interiors is probably not going to happen for a while.
2. Again, we don't know yet. The consultation on how it'll run is still ongoing, I believe, and the actual legislation to start GBR proper is expected to make it through Parliament next year iirc. I don't see why it's not a good idea - and it
will be different to DFTO, so I wouldn't use them as a precedent. That said, the big improvements probably won't be seen for a few years - when everything is finally nationalised and things can properly change.
3. I don't see why a new government would change everything. That would be a lot of hassle and work which would not have much benefit, especially as there are more pressing issues.
