The UK government has announced that South Western Railway will be the first train operating company to be brought into public ownership. This move marks a significant step towards the government’s broader plan to overhaul the railway network and put passengers first.
The transition to public ownership is expected to improve reliability, reduce delays and cancellations, and save taxpayers money. By bringing services back under public control, the government aims to create a more efficient and customer-focused railway.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Our broken railways are finally on the fast track to repairing and rebuilding a system that the British public can trust and be proud of again.
“For too long, the British public has had to put up with rail services that simply don’t work. A complex system of private train operators has too often failed its users.
“Starting with journeys on South Western Railway, we’re switching tracks by bringing services back under public control to create a reliable rail network that puts customers first.”
The government plans to transfer all passenger services operated under contracts with the Department for Transport (DfT) to public ownership over the next three years. In the interim, the DfT’s Operator will manage the transition and focus on improving services.
The Railway Industry Association (RIA) and Campaign for Better Transport have welcomed the government’s announcement. They believe that public ownership has the potential to deliver a more reliable, affordable, and accessible railway.
Railway Industry Association (RIA) Chief Executive, Darren Caplan, said: “Today’s announcement is an important milestone on the journey to a restructured railway. The UK supply chain will work with and support the government’s plans to deliver improved rail performance and reliability, as we together develop world-class rail, both track and train.
“There is now a real opportunity to provide more certainty and visibility over work plans, which will help a reformed railway be a catalyst for boosting growth and connectivity across the nations and regions of the UK, with better services for rail customers – passengers and freight – and ultimately ensure enhanced value for money for the taxpayer.”
CEO of Campaign for Better Transport, Paul Tuohy, said: “This is the first real step towards the government’s plan to bring the railways under public control. There is an urgent need for action to give more people access to an affordable, reliable rail network. The government must work collaboratively across the sector and continue prioritising passengers by keeping them front and centre of its plans.”
As part of its wider railway reform plans, the government is working to establish Great British Railways (GBR), a single body responsible for running the railway network. GBR will focus on improving services, increasing capacity, and reducing costs.
In the meantime, the government is taking immediate steps to improve the passenger experience, including reducing overcrowding at Euston Station and addressing industrial disputes.
