The Department for Transport has revealed that the latest train operator to be given a date for renationalisation is Govia Thameslink Railway.

The change, which will take effect on 31 May next year, will renationalise one operator but four brands of Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink.

It was already known that Greater Anglia is the next contract to end, on 12 October, followed by West Midlands Trains on 1 February 2026.

The government said Chiltern Railways and Great Western Railway would then follow Govia Thameslink Railway back into public ownership, but it has not revealed the dates.

However, it did say that 8 out of ten train journeys will be made on nationalised services by the middle of next year.

All passenger operators with DfT contracts are expected to return to public ownership by the end of 2027 and will eventually be integrated as Great British Railways.

Legislation to establish GBR is to be introduced in the new Parliamentary session this autumn.

Readers’ comments

I have been quite interested in nationalization and the effect it will have on the years to come on the state of UK rail, and how unified branding/integration will be applied across the nation. One thing I’m having a hard time finding any news or information about is what will happen to the stations that are managed by train operators currently? For instance, Southampton Central station is clearly managed by South Western Railway and has branding on signs and posters to match. By contrast, another station I frequent (Swindon, Wilts) appears to be managed primarily by Great Western Railway, and has different signs and stylings on the buildings. I am curious if there is any information about how Great British Railways intends on unifying the design language, signage, placards, and digital timetables across stations in the UK. Looking forward to hearing your opinion.

Adam, Southampton

[Network Rail is the ground landlord of all National Rail stations, but apart from the few managed directly by Network Rail, the operators are the tenants and managers. I understand that all stations are to be run by GBR, which will use Rail Alphabet 2 for signs. Some Rail Alphabet 2 signs have already appeared in some areas.--Ed.]

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