Passengers travelling to and from Derby station will not miss the striking new billboard which has been commissioned by the Rail Industry Association.

The huge sign congratulates the city of Derby for becoming the new home of Great British Railways, whilst asking for progress in rail reform from the Government.

The billboard calls attention to that passenger numbers alongside freight services which are currently running each day and are now achieving close to pre-pandemic levels, and April 2023 seeing levels meet more than 98%.

With significant recovery underway, the Rail Industry Association billboard states: ‘now is the time for the UK Government to push on with GBR legislation to deliver transformational change to the country’s railways’

This message follows action which saw 70 rail industry leaders write to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asking for legislation to be hastened so that Government rail reform plans can move forward in the upcoming Parliamentary year.

Rail Industry Association, Chief Executive Darren Caplan said:

“Many congratulations to Derby, the soon-to-be home of Great British Railways. With both freight and passenger numbers rebounding strongly in the aftermath of the pandemic, it’s clear that rail has a bright future with Derby at GBR’s heart.”

“But to maximise that bright future, we are clear that the Government needs to press ahead with plans to establish GBR as a matter urgency. The longer the Government stalls on GBR, and rail reform legislation, the longer the UK will be deprived of transformational change on the railways.”

“We hope that this eye-catching new billboard will show that the rail industry stands ready to deliver, but we need the Government to play its part too.”