The Government has published its timetable for creating Great British Railways (GBR), including plans to publish a new Long-Term Rail Strategy in autumn 2027.

The Department for Transport (DfT) released a schedule of key policy documents and consultations that will help shape the future railway as GBR is established.

Among the most significant milestones is the Long-Term Rail Strategy, which will set out a 30-year vision for the railway and guide future decision-making by both government and GBR. A discussion paper is due to be published in summer 2026 ahead of the final strategy which is tabled for autumn 2027.

Community Rail Network chief executive Jools Townsend said: “This is an important milestone in the journey towards Great British Railways and a welcome step in setting out how rail reform will be delivered.

“Community rail helps communities make the most of their local railways and stations, giving people a voice in shaping rail and transport services. We’re actively contributing community perspectives and experiences to the development of GBR and the Long-Term Rail Strategy, helping ensure the future railway is inclusive, accessible and responsive to local needs.

“This timetable highlights a number of opportunities for community rail to engage with and influence the future direction of the railway, and we’ll continue working closely with partners across the sector to ensure community voices are heard.”

The timetable also includes plans for a rolling stock and infrastructure strategy, alongside consultations on areas including the GBR licence, network access, retail, charging and performance.

View the full timetable announcement here.

GBR is being created via the Railways Bill, which had its Third Reading in Parliament this week and will now move to the House of Lords.

An amendment, introduced by the Government and passed during report stage in the House of Commons on June 10, requires that GBR must be publicly owned, meaning that any future attempt to privatise the organisation would require a full Act of Parliament. Public ownership has been central to the Government’s approach to rail reform, and the amendment formalises this commitment in law.