Great British Railways is about putting passengers before profit. Privatisation failed. Ticket prices rose, services declined, and a broken system let companies dodge responsibility.
Putting the Union Jack on Great British Rail trains isn’t about just giving them a new lick of paint. It’s a clear statement that pride in our public services is back.
That pride is personal to me. My dad was proud to work for British Rail in the stores. Privatisation didn’t just fail passengers – it cost jobs, skills and investment in a long-standing key industry in our economy.
Now we are starting to put things right. For the first time in 30 years, rail fares will be frozen. For commuters travelling from Glossop to Manchester on a season ticket, that means £88 back in their pockets.
Travel is also to become more straightforward. A new Great British Railways ticketing app will act as a one stop shop, with no booking fees. Disabled passengers will be able to book Passenger Assist when buying tickets. From this December, Pay-As-You-Go will expand to 50 more stations, making travel simpler.
New Greater Manchester extension zones covering Glossop, Hadfield and Dinting will simplify ticketing – with just two ticket options on the day. Single journeys will always cost half the price of return trips, helping to cut costs overall, with average fares falling by 5.6 %. As a result, more than 1/2 of journeys will be cheaper.
From 2026, these stations will join the Bee Network, with station on the Buxton line following in 2027, bringing simpler fares, contactless travel, and rail, bus and tram services working together.
I’m always determined that national change must be felt and delivered locally. From coffee mornings, door knocking and listening to residents at my surgeries, I know there is more to improve in High Peak. Rail disruptions affect commutes, childcare and working lives, which is why I continue to hold operators to account. From my regular meetings with Northern Rail, I know cancellations on the Buxton line are down by 6.2 % compared to last year, but I will keep pushing for fewer disruptions and a full return to reliable services. I am also campaigning to bring Buxton into the Greater Manchester ticketing area, so passengers benefit from cheaper fares.
Ensuring High Peak gets its fair share is central to my work as your MP. From April 2026, Labour’s East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward, will gain new powers to shape a long-term transport plan for our region. This is your chance to have a direct say as that plan takes shape, and I would encourage residents to get involved:
Your voice matters. What passengers want to improve should shape the system they rely on every day. Great British Railways puts passengers back in the driving seat. By fixing broken systems and listening locally, we can rebuild a transport network we can all be proud of.
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🚴♀️ The Tour de France Femmes is coming to High Peak!
In 2027, the world's best female cyclists will race over Snake Pass - right through our backyard.
This is huge for our area. The Peak District will be beamed to millions around the world, and we'll get to cheer on incredible athletes pushing themselves to the limit on our iconic roads.
For young girls in High Peak, seeing elite sportswomen compete on their doorstep will be truly inspiring. And for all of us, it's a chance to celebrate what makes our community special - stunning landscapes, brilliant people, and a warm welcome.
Can't wait to line the route with you all in 2027! 🇬🇧
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