We're finally getting our trains back on track...

'New dawn' for Britain's railways in public ownership

- PAUL ROUTLEDGE

THE sun is setting on privatisation and a new era dawns for our Great British Railway.

True to its word, a Labour government is taking back the industry so it is owned by the public, delivering for the public, not for private shareholders.

This was one of the party's most popular election promises, and a renationalisation Railways Bill is now making its way through the Commons.

The Tories, whose ideologically driven selloff under John Major in the 1990s is the worst-ever case of botched privatisation, are too ashamed to offer serious opposition. They were forced to renationalise three big firms - Northern, TransPennine and LNER - before losing office.

Great British Railways will bring under one central command the running of passenger trains of the 17 different - and often competing outfits that currently share responsibility for the network.

The rollout will also take GBR customers into the digital era, with a phone app for tickets and assistance, allowing people to check train times, buy tickets without booking fees and arrange help for disabled travellers.