A NEW body called Great British Railways (GBR) will take over the operation and planning of Britain's rail infrastructure and set and collect most fares and determine timetables. The announcement was made on 20 May and is the outcome of the long-running Williams-Shapps review into the railway. The Government says the move re-emphasises its commitment to growing the rail network, with 'tens of billions of pounds'to be invested in more electrification and new and reopened railways. Scotland and Wales will retain their devolved powers on rail matters, as will Transport for London and other metropolitan authorities in relation to rail and light rail in their areas. A rail transformation programme is being established within the Department for Transport and the rail industry to set out the delivery phases of the restructuring, and an advisory board chaired by the plan's author, Keith Williams, will support the Secretary of State. Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines has been asked to develop plans for interim arrangements until legislation is approve to create the new organisation.The leadership team of GBR, meanwhile, will be recruited by 'fair and open competition'.
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