Hull Trains’ Managing Director, Louise Cheeseman, has welcomed the proposals put forward in this weeks Williams-Shapps report and says it ‘recognises’ the importance of open access operators, including Hull Trains.

In a shakeup of the rail network, yesterday the government announced that Great British Railways would soon take over the rail infrastructure with private partners to operating trains, with a similar model to what is found on the London Overground and Docklands Light Railway.

Network Rail, who currently owns the infrastructure on the rail network, would also be absorbed into Great British Railways, but the government urged that this isn’t renationalisation. You can read the full announcement here.

In a statement, Louise Cheeseman, Managing Director, said: “As an open access operator that has always put passengers first, Hull Trains welcomes the reforms proposed in the Williams-Shapps report that has been published today. The report has recognised the importance of open access operators in delivering first class rail travel and that operators like Hull Trains have a role to play in reforming the industry moving forward.”

“Hull Trains has been the main provider of direct train services between Hull and London since 2000 and our routes are vital to the economy of East Yorkshire. The invaluable role we play in supporting the regional economy is recognised by city leaders and our local MPS. We are proud that our trains carry the name of our city when travelling along our route.”

“A main focus of the report is making customer satisfaction a priority, and this is already at the core of our service offering. Only last year we were awarded one of the highest scores in the country in the National Rail Passenger Survey, illustrating the value of open access operators to the rail industry.”

“The ten outcomes that this review aims to deliver are aligned with all that we stand for. However, there is clearly more detail to be explored further.”

“This is yet more positive news for our industry at a time when we are delighted to be welcoming more and more passengers back onto our trains.”

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