The renationalisation of Britain’s railways is gathering pace, with Chiltern Railways becoming the latest operator to move into public ownership.
The Labour government pledged after its 2024 election victory to bring England’s major rail services back under public ownership by 2027. Several operators have already been transferred as their private contracts with the Department for Transport expired.
Rail operators already nationalised
South Western Railway (SWR) — May 25, 2025
c2c — July 20, 2025
Greater Anglia — October 12, 2025
West Midlands Trains — February 1, 2026
Govia Thameslink Railway — May 31, 2026
The public sector also already operates LNER, Northern, Southeastern, TransPennine Express, ScotRail and Transport for Wales Rail.
When will the remaining operators be nationalised?
The next transfers are expected to take place on the following dates:
Chiltern Railways — September 20, 2026
Great Western Railway — December 13, 2026
East Midlands Railway — expected December 2026
Avanti West Coast — date to be confirmed, expected spring 2027
CrossCountry — date to be confirmed, expected autumn 2027
Once these transfers are completed, the government is aiming for all major English rail services to be in public ownership by the end of 2027.
Will fares become cheaper?
Whether renationalisation will result in cheaper train fares remains uncertain. While public ownership changes who operates the services, the impact on ticket prices will depend on future government policy, funding and how Great British Railways operates the network.