Liberal Democrats Table Bill to Strengthen Rail Passenger Rights

The Liberal Democrats have brought forward a new Rail Passengers’ Charter Bill, aimed at improving the experience of rail users and embedding value for money into law.

The proposed legislation would require the Government to take a stronger stand for passengers and modernise train services through the introduction of a statutory Rail Passengers’ Charter. Under the plans, minimum standards for comfort and service quality would be legally guaranteed.

The Charter would set out clear expectations for operators, including sufficient seating on journeys lasting more than 30 minutes, access to refreshments on trips exceeding two hours, high-speed Wi-Fi, charging points, dependable mobile phone signal, clean and accessible toilets, and adequate space for bicycles, pushchairs, prams and luggage.

Accessibility is also a central element of the proposals. The Bill would place stronger obligations on Great British Railways (GBR) to improve access to trains and stations for disabled passengers. It would also introduce automatic compensation for delays, removing the need for passengers to submit lengthy claims to receive refunds they are entitled to.

Ahead of the Bill’s introduction, Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Olly Glover MP said passengers had endured years of fare rises without seeing corresponding improvements in service. He argued that rail users deserved a system that reflects modern expectations, adding that the Charter would ensure passenger experience and value for money are protected in law.

Glover said the proposals were designed to put passengers first and help create a railway system the country can take pride in, after what he described as repeated failures by successive governments to address long-standing issues in rail service quality.