
Reports have emerged that the UK government is drawing up plans to launch another review of the UK rail franchise system. Downing Street is pitching it as the biggest review of the rail system since contracts were privatised in the early 1990s, aimed at determining how to improve the franchising system while still using private operators. Those familiar with the transport sector might be forgiven for feeling a sense of déjà vu: this would mark the government’s second review into the system in less than five years.