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A major overhaul in the UK train network has officially been announced by the Department of Transport. The new public sector body called Great British Railways will take over the responsibility of both track and trains, issue contracts to private firms to run trains, plus set fares and sell tickets. It is the biggest shakeup for Britain’s railway services in 25 years, when train operation was privatized in the mid-1990’s. GBR will replace the current operator Network Rail – and is not expected to launch until 2023. The Government has pledged to replace the current “complicated” ticketing system with something more simplified and offer digital ticketing. New flexible season tickets are also set to be introduced from June 21, offering savings for people who don’t travel to work every day as a result of the pandemic. The new model is similar to other systems used by Transport of London for London Overground and Docklands Light Railway networks. The reform comes after a review was commis.