The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) should evolve from a respected regulator into a broader independent strategic adviser to the Secretary of State for Transport, according to an independent review published by the government.
The review says ORR’s independence, economic expertise, and safety capabilities put it in a strong position to provide objective advice and assurance as the Government pursues rail reform and seeks a more integrated, resilient, and efficient transport system.
It recommends that ORR develop a stronger ‘whole-of-system’ perspective, bringing together expertise across its rail, roads, and safety functions. Its impartial position could also allow it to advise the Secretary of State on strategic trade-offs affecting rail and road infrastructure, including the interests of national and mayoral authorities.
The report highlights ORR’s existing contribution, including its role in helping Great Britain maintain one of Europe’s safest railways and its economic work supporting investor confidence.
However, the review says ORR will need further investment in skills, capabilities, and organisational culture to take on its expanded responsibilities.
It also warns that greater clarity is needed over ORR’s role as the rail industry is reformed. Great British Railways (GBR) is expected to become the sector’s single ‘directing mind’, making integrated decisions across the railway, while ORR would provide independent advice and assurance to the Secretary of State and enforce GBR’s licence.
The review, commissioned as part of the Department for Business and Trade’s programme of regulator assessments, drew on more than 80 confidential interviews across government, industry, and transport authorities. It examined ORR between December 2025 and June 2026, as the Railways Bill progressed through Parliament.
The full report can be viewed here.
Image credit: iStockphoto.com
