The UK government is asking for views on how rail fares and the online sale of tickets should be reformed as part of a new consultation into the future of the country’s train network.

The consultation forms part of long-running plans to create Great British Railways (GBR), a new publicly owned organisation which will run the UK rail infrastructure and train services.

The complexity of UK rail fares has long been the source of confusion and complaints, but efforts to reform the system have yet to gather much momentum so far. The Labour government has said that it wants GBR to help deliver “simplified fares, discounts and ticket types” as part of its reforms.

In a statement, the Department for Transport (DFT) said it was also asking for views on issues such as the establishment of a new passenger watchdog and how to “streamline” processes and reduce regulation to allow GBR to “deliver the best service for railway users”.

One of the key elements in the new regime to manage the UK railways is the return of train operations to public ownership. This will be completed in a phased approach as private operators’ existing contracts expire – South Western Railway is due to be first operator to undergo this process in May.

UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander said in a written statement: “The consultation sets out our plans to establish GBR as a new arm’s length body, bringing responsibility for train services and rail infrastructure together into one integrated organisation.

“This means most passengers will travel on GBR trains, running on GBR tracks and arrive at GBR stations – all delivered by a single organisation in line with the clear strategic direction set by government. 

“GBR will be empowered with the expertise and authority to run the railway in the public interest, delivering reliable, affordable, high-quality and efficient services; alongside ensuring safety and accessibility.”

Alexander added that the consultation was the “next milestone” in the legislative process to “transform our railways”, which will see a Railways Bill go before the UK’s Parliament later this year.

“Only once we have these views can we deliver a system that truly serves its customers, provides better value for hardworking taxpayers, acts as an engine for growth and opportunity, and that stands once again as a point of pride for modern Britain,” she said.

The current consultation, which goes under the title ‘A railway fit for Britain’s future’, runs until 15 April. More details here