Ministers have heralded a new era for Britain’s railways as the first trains under the Labor government’s nationalization scheme began operating on Sunday. The 6.14 from London Waterloo to Shepperton was initially set to be the first train service rebranded as “Great British Railways,” symbolized by a Union Jack and the logo “coming soon.” However, the debut of the renationalized service actually involved a rail replacement bus due to bank holiday engineering works.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced a significant overhaul in the railway industry, integrating track and train operations under Great British Railways, separating from Network Rail and private train companies. This follows the passage of the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024, which nationalizes South Western Railway (SWR), the first planned nationalization.
The shift towards public ownership marks the end of 30 years of privately run inefficiencies and aims to redirect focus towards public benefit rather than private profit. Alexander stated that while changes won’t be immediate, the establishment of Great British Railways in early 2027 is expected to bring about substantial improvements.
SWR will be managed by the government-owned train operator DfTO, which already oversees several services transitioned back to public control. The phase-out of private rail franchises by the end of 2027 aims to reduce operational costs and improve service delivery.
While proponents, including unions, hail renationalization as a return to public service and a move away from privatization’s failures, opposition parties criticize Labor for failing to deliver promised improvements in ticket prices, disruption, and on-board services. Labour is now tasked with fulfilling its pledges and addressing concerns regarding outsourced rail workers.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/25/first-train-service-renationalised-under-starmer-begins-south-western-railway
