In a significant move towards reforming the UK’s rail system, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh announced today the appointment of Laura Shoaf as Chair of Shadow Great British Railways (SGBR). This appointment marks a crucial step in the government’s efforts to overhaul the nation’s railways.
SGBR, which is a precursor to the upcoming permanent Great British Railways body, will play a pivotal role in unifying rail infrastructure and services. As Chair, Shoaf will lead efforts to bring together senior industry leaders, improve passenger services, and work towards a more cohesive rail network.
Shoaf brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as the Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Managing Director of Transport for West Midlands. During her time at WMCA, she led a multi-million-pound transport investment initiative for the region. Notably, she was also the first female chair of the Urban Transport Group and was instrumental in supporting the sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her expertise extends beyond regional transport management. Shoaf has advised on national policy and was one of the UK’s first “transport champions for tackling violence against women and girls.” This experience is expected to contribute significantly to creating a safer and more accessible rail network for all passengers.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh expressed confidence in Shoaf’s appointment, stating, “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.
Shoaf, in turn, emphasised the importance of prioritising passengers in railway operations: “My focus will be ensuring people are at the heart of the railways and to ensure this remains a focus for years to come,” she said.
The creation of SGBR is part of the government’s broader rail reform agenda, which aims to reduce wasteful fragmentation in the railway sector. By unifying the oversight of track and train under Great British Railways, the government aims to create a more efficient, integrated, and passenger-focused national rail network.
SGBR will collaborate with industry partners to improve services and tackle financial challenges facing the railways. This initiative brings together leaders from Network Rail, the Department for Transport’s Operator of Last Resort, and the Rail Services Group to build a more integrated system.
As the rail industry stands on the brink of significant change, all eyes are on Laura Shoaf and SGBR to deliver the improvements that passengers and freight users have long been waiting for.
