South Western Railway (SWR) has become the first train operator to transfer back into public control on 25 May 2025, ending nearly three decades of rail privatisation.

Services from London Waterloo to destinations including Weymouth, Bournemouth and Exeter are now publicly operated. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced the milestone from SWR's depot in Bournemouth.

The government has stated that operators must meet strict performance targets covering punctuality, cancellations and passenger experience to earn the right to be rebranded as "Great British Railways". 

Heidi Alexander said: “Today is a watershed moment in our work to return the railways to the service of passengers. Trains from Waterloo to Weymouth, Bournemouth and Exeter will be run by the public, for the public."

"But I know that most users of the railway don't spend much time thinking about who runs the trains – they just want them to work. That's why operators will have to meet rigorous performance standards and earn the right to be called Great British Railways."

The Department for Transport estimates public ownership will save taxpayers up to £150 million annually in fees previously paid to private operators. Two-thirds of Britons support returning railways to public control, according to government figures.

All passenger services under Department for Transport contracts will return to public ownership by the end of 2027, transferring when existing contracts reach their minimum term to avoid additional costs.

Lawrence Bowman, Managing Director of South Western Railway, added: "I'm excited to join and lead the excellent team at South Western Railway, who come to work every day to deliver the best possible service for our customers and moving into public ownership will make it easier for them to do so."

“My immediate priority is to work with colleagues to develop a plan for SWR, that will make the most of the new, simpler industry processes to deliver improvements in reliability and an increase in capacity.”

Services will eventually integrate into Great British Railways, which will manage both track and train operations. The transfer follows the Public Ownership Act passed in November 2024.