UK Rail: GBR Integration Drives Public Ownership & Passenger Gains

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Introduction

The British Department for Transport (DfT) has announced plans to transfer services of West Midlands Trains, Govia Thameslink Railway, Chiltern Railways, and Great Western Railways into public ownership as part of the government’s railway overhaul, integrating them into Great British Railways.

Public Ownership Transition

West Midlands Trains, Govia Thameslink Railway, Chiltern Railways, and Great Western Railways are the next train operating companies scheduled to integrate into Great British Railways. The schedule has already been set for three train operating companies.

Timetable and Targets

By the middle of next year, 8 in 10 passenger rail journeys under the department’s responsibility will be publicly owned. Chiltern Railways and Great Western Railways services are expected to follow, with the Secretary of State of Transport making final decisions on timing.

Contractual and Legislative Framework

All passenger services operating under contracts with the department are expected to return to public ownership by the end of 2027 and will be integrated into Great British Railways. Services are being transferred after contracts reach the end of their minimum term to avoid additional taxpayer costs. Operators must meet rigorous standards to be integrated into Great British Railways. Legislation to establish Great British Railways, the new public company responsible for day-to-day railway operations, will be introduced this Parliamentary session.

Performance of Publicly Owned Operators

Publicly owned operating companies Southeastern and LNER are delivering some of the lowest cancellation rates nationally. South Western Railway has tripled the number of new trains in service in the four months since it came under public ownership.

Conclusion

The DfT is moving forward with the integration of several train operating companies into public ownership, with a goal of having 80% of passenger rail journeys under public control by the middle of next year. This transition is part of a broader plan to establish Great British Railways, aiming to improve railway operations and passenger experience.

Company Summary

West Midlands Trains: A train operating company.

Govia Thameslink Railway: A train operating company.

Chiltern Railways: A train operating company.

Great Western Railways: A train operating company.

Great British Railways: The new public company which will take responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the railways.

Southeastern: A publicly owned operating company.

LNER: A publicly owned operating company.

South Western Railway: A publicly owned operating company.

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