The UK spends around GBP 1.5 billion a year maintaining passenger trains. Yet too much of this market remains shaped by long-term lock-in, limited transparency and dependence on suppliers that control access to technical data, diagnostics, software and spare parts.

This position paper argues that the UK is moving against both European and global reform trends. Across Europe, competition and liberalisation have consistently delivered lower fares, stronger passenger growth, reduced subsidy and major private investment. Meanwhile, the proposed Railways Bill offers no clear targets for efficiency, cost reduction or passenger growth.  

It is Europe’s chance to get High-Speed Rail (HSR) right: The EU’s new HSR Master Plan by Transport Commissioner Tzitzikostas is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. But new rail infrastructure and subsidies alone will not deliver. 

Europe is investing billions to strengthen its defence readiness. But unless all operators are included, taxpayer-funded rail infrastructure will remain underused and vulnerable. Our new position paper Military Mobility: No Operator Left Behind shows why independent rail companies - proven agile in times of crisis - must be part of Europe’s military mobility strategy.

Discover ALLRAIL’s 7 pillars for dual-use rail: from cross-border harmonisation to private sector engagement, and from civil-military integration to fair governance. Together they form a blueprint for resilience on rails - one that serves both defence and citizens.

The EU Commission or EU Member States as rolling stock assets managers is not the solution. Instead, the involvement of more private investment will help to both finance and operate a higher number of long-distance passenger rail departures and meet the growing demand for passenger rail services.