Multiple train operators to join Great British Railways

The UK Government has announced a schedule to transfer West Midlands Trains, Govia Thameslink Railway, Chiltern Railways and Great Western Railways into public ownership under Great British Railways.

• Main announcement and schedule: After Greater Anglia transfers on 12 October 2025, West Midlands Trains will transfer on 1 February 2026 and Govia Thameslink Railway on 31 May 2026; the article states “by the middle of next year, more than half of all rail journeys in Great Britain will be under public ownership” and also that “8 in 10 passenger rail journeys that the department is responsible for will be owned by the public, for the public.”
• Background, implementation and other details: All passenger services operating under contracts with the department are expected to return to public ownership by the end of 2027 and will eventually be integrated into Great British Railways; transfers occur after contracts reach the end of their minimum term so taxpayers pay no additional costs for breaking contracts early, the Secretary of State of Transport will decide timings for Chiltern Railways and Great Western Railways, legislation to establish Great British Railways will be introduced this Parliamentary session, and media enquiries numbers provided are 0300 7777878 (Media enquiries) and 0300 330 3000 (Switchboard).