Wales and borders rail MoU sets framework for Great British Railways and TfW

The UK and Welsh governments have published their memorandum of understanding on rail reform for Wales and the border regions. The document, provided for under the Railways Bill, is intended to set out how the two governments, Transport for Wales and Great British Railways would work together.

What the memorandum covers

It commits the partners to develop shared objectives for each rail funding period, covering strategic direction for the Wales and borders area. It also sets out joint planning on access, capacity and charging, recognising Transport for Wales’ wider responsibility for connecting rail with other transport.

The agreement proposes a locally focused Great British Railways Wales and Borders structure, a formal partnership between GBR and TfW, and collaborative arrangements for cross-border services. It also refers to simplifying the interface between the Core Valley Lines and the wider rail network, and keeps the Wales Rail Board as a strategic forum for funding, business plans and enhancements.

These are frameworks and commitments to work together. The statement says Network Rail and TfW would next develop the formal partnering arrangement, while shared objectives would be prepared for the next funding period.

What this means for Wales

The MoU makes the accountability map clearer, particularly where trains, tracks and cross-border services involve more than one body. It does not itself change a route, timetable or fare, but it gives passengers and communities a published basis on which to assess whether joint planning produces the more integrated railway the governments describe.