Our annual reviews of health and safety, Network Rail and our work for passengers
We've set out our annual assessment of Britain's rail industry for 2024 to 2025 and priorities for the year ahead. Read the news release for an overview as we analyse topics including train service performance and asset management, health and safety, the passenger experience and value for money.
A Year in Rail and Track Ahead event
We welcomed leaders from across the industry to our A Year in Rail and the Track Ahead event on 17 July 2025. View the presentation slides and leaflet.
Attendees heard from ORR Chief Executive, John Larkinson, HM Chief Inspector of Railways Richard Hines and Director of Strategy, Policy and Reform, Stephanie Tobyn, as well as our Deputy Director of Railway Planning and Performance, Richard Coates.
During the morning, the Chair of the Transport Select Committee, Ruth Cadbury MP, addressed the audience in a pre-recorded message.
Key insights from ORR leaders
John Larkinson, chief executive
“The mainline rail network is at a turning point. Rail reform presents an opportunity to do things differently, working better together to improve the experience of all rail users, but its full implementation is some years away and the issues we have raised will not be solved by rail reform alone.
“Overall Network Rail has performed well in a tight financial environment, but it will need to focus relentlessly on every aspect of how it plans and delivers, because there is little margin for error in its regulatory settlement.”
Richard Hines, HM chief inspector of railways
"This is not a ‘normal’ year for our mainline railway. It is entering a period of profound change, shaped by the most significant reform agenda in a generation.
"Reform provides an opportunity to build upon current strengths. Done well, a more integrated railway – underpinned by unified leadership – can better identify and manage risk, close long-standing gaps at interfaces, and enable faster, more joined up responses to address priority issues.
"Proactive risk management, clear accountability, and visible safety leadership at every level will be essential to ensure that health and safety remains not just a priority, but a guiding principle – through every decision, in every part of the system."
Read the annual health and safety report.
Stephanie Tobyn, director of strategy, policy and reform
"Ensuring that disabled passengers consistently receive the support they need to travel by train requires clear focus, collaboration and a commitment to continuous improvement. Our latest survey shows that overall passenger satisfaction has plateaued, and we know that, in some instances, assistance failures can leave passengers feeling powerless and frustrated.
"This new rating system will help us target our efforts and use resources effectively, focusing on working with those operators where improvement is most needed to deliver better outcomes for passengers."
Read the annual rail consumer report.
