Strategic Rail Authority - Definition

The SRA's logo. Its motto is Britain's Railway, properly delivered

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) formerly known as the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority (SSRA) is a government body in the United Kingdom which was set up to provide strategic direction for Britain's railway industry. It lets and manages franchises to run railway services.

The Shadow Strategic Rail Authority was established on the privatisation of British Rail as an advisory body. However, the failure of privatisation saw it SRA cease its shadow existence on 1 February 2001 under the Transport Act 2000.

On July 15, 2004 the Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling, announced that it was to be abolished, with some functions transferred to the government, some to Network Rail. Devolved governments such as the Scottish Executive, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Greater London Authority will be given some input in their areas.

External link

• Strategic Rail Authority web site (http://www.sra.gov.uk/)