Blake Jones Review published

29 July 2019

The Blake Jones Review was commissioned following the rail disruption across the North of England triggered by the May 2018 timetable change. It was led by Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Lead and then Rail Minister Jo Johnson. Andrew Jones MP took over as Rail Minister in November 2018.

The review can be read here.

Cllr Blake said: 

“While some stability has been restored since May 2018, rail passengers in the North continue to experience punctuality and reliability below acceptable levels. The rail industry lost sight of the need to put the interests of passengers first and our recommendations will significantly strengthen the voice of passengers and local accountability in the way rail services in the North operate.

“I hope proposals from the forthcoming Williams Review will address some of the broader issues raised by last year’s disruption including the need to greater integrate track and train and to deepen devolution arrangements over rail services to the North.”

Mr Jones said:

"Working closely with Transport for the North, our absolute priority is to deliver reliable services. This review sets out how we can work to ensure passengers get the journeys they expect, and restore trust in our railway.

"We continue to see performance improving, significant investment delivering new and refurbished trains across the north, and industry expert Richard George is continuing to drive forward a recovery plan to deliver better journeys."