Public Ownership of Rail Services Continues as Great British Railways Takes Further Control

The transition of UK rail services into public ownership under the forthcoming Great British Railways (GBR) continues, with South Western Railway's services having transferred in May 2025, and c2c services following suit in July 2025. This gradual nationalization is part of a broader government program to unify and simplify the fragmented railway system, a development that many observers note has been long anticipated. The tweet from "GBR" stating, "I mean, no one here is surprised, right?" likely reflects this sentiment of expected progression in the rail reform agenda.

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced the public ownership program on December 4, 2024, with a commitment to bring all passenger services operated under contracts with the DfT into public hands by the end of 2027. This initiative, enabled by the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024, aims to replace the previous franchise model. The move is designed to create a single "directing mind" for the railway, focusing on improved passenger experience, simpler ticketing, and better value for taxpayers.

Despite these transfers, the full establishment of Great British Railways as a corporate body faces ongoing delays. Legislation to formally create GBR is expected to go before Parliament, with the organization anticipated to be fully operational by late 2026 at the earliest. The Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, speaking in November 2024, acknowledged the "enormous programme of change" required, highlighting the complexity of integrating rail operator contracts and infrastructure under one entity.

A key outstanding decision is the location of GBR's headquarters, which was confirmed to be Derby in March 2023. However, two years later, a precise site within the city has yet to be announced, causing "great frustration for the public," according to Steve Hassall, leader of Derby Conservatives. This ongoing wait for a definitive location, despite the city's strong rail heritage, adds to the sense of a prolonged and complex reform process.

The phased approach to public ownership and the extended timeline for GBR's full operational status underscore the significant undertaking of reforming the UK's rail network. The government's strategy aims to address years of fragmentation, promising a more unified and efficient service for both passengers and freight.