The Department for Transport (DfT) today announced the appointment of Laura Shoaf as Chair of Shadow Great British Railways (SGBR). Ms. Shoaf will play a pivotal role in driving the Government’s ambitious plans to overhaul the UK’s rail network.
As Chair of SGBR, Ms. Shoaf will lead a team of senior rail industry leaders to deliver improvements for passengers and work towards a more unified rail system. SGBR will also help design Great British Railways, the permanent body that will oversee railway infrastructure and services.
With a wealth of experience in the transport sector, Ms. Shoaf brings a proven track record of delivering transformative change. Prior to her appointment, she served as Managing Director of Transport for West Midlands, overseeing significant transport investment in the region. She has also held senior leadership positions at the Urban Transport Group and has advised on national transport policy.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “For too long, passengers have suffered from a fragmented rail system that doesn’t work in their interests – we’re going to change that.
“Establishing Shadow Great British Railways is a significant step towards delivering a unified railway with passengers at its heart by bringing together track and train – and it’s fantastic we have someone of Laura’s calibre to drive forward reforms.
“Laura brings immense hands-on experience of delivering change, and a shared desire to move fast and deliver change – I’m looking forward to working with her to fix our railways and getting Britain moving again.”
Shadow GBR Chair Laura Shoaf said: “The arrival of the railways fundamentally changed the United Kingdom – creating huge growth, new connections between communities, and opening up the opportunity of jobs and adventure to people across the whole of the country.
“I recognise the great power that our transport network plays in our day to day lives, but in order for it to work, and in order for it to keep opening up these opportunities, it has to be built around our passengers and freight users.
“It is my privilege to have been asked to chair Shadow Great British Railways, and my focus will be ensuring people are at the heart of the railways and to ensure this remains a focus for years to come.”
The Government’s rail reforms aim to end the fragmentation of the rail network, unifying the oversight of track and train under Great British Railways. SGBR will play a crucial role in laying the groundwork for this new system, ensuring a smooth transition and delivering better outcomes for passengers.
