Greater Anglia enters public ownership, sets high bar for UK railways

We’ve published a new briefing, Eurostar and potential competitors. This covers the aspirations of the four train operators looking to run international services between London and Europe through the Channel Tunnel, and the role of the Office of Rail and Road in deciding on this. It also discusses whether international train services will ever return to Ebbsfleet and Ashford International stations. https://lnkd.in/eYgUqPKQ

It was a pleasure speaking with Fleet Transport Ireland Magazine about the future of Ireland’s infrastructure and the transformative impact of projects like the N/M20 Cork to Limerick motorway and the Dublin MetroLink. Both schemes represent once-in-a-generation opportunities to unlock capacity, improve connectivity, and enhance resilience for freight and passenger transport across the country. From freight hubs and HGV provision to active travel integration, the potential benefits are wide-reaching - socially, economically, and environmentally. You can read the full interview from pg. 72 here: https://lnkd.in/e9XBhiyN #WeAreWSP #Ireland

GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) to be nationalised from 31 May 2026 Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) – the UK’s largest train operator – will be nationalised on Sunday 31 May 2026, with the operator saying it has already started planning for this transition, so it is well equipped to work closely with the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom over the next eight months. It says passengers can be reassured that train services, timetables and station facilities are unaffected with no changes to travel cards and ticketing terms and conditions. Employees’ roles are also unaffected, as they will all transfer across into the publicly owned company. Since taking over the #franchise in 2014, GTR has delivered major improvements, becoming a thriving operation and contributor to growth that will make a significant contribution to the future success of Great British Railways (GBR). Angie Doll, #ChiefExecutiveOfficer of GTR, said: “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved for the millions of customers who rely on us, and for the communities we serve. As well as helping people travel, our purpose is about building a railway ready for the future, with people and communities at the heart of making that happen. “By investing in skills, nurturing talent and building a more diverse workforce, we’ve laid the foundations for a railway that will endure, support sustainable growth, and inspire future generations. That is the legacy we have created. “Our transition to public ownership comes at a time when GTR is at the forefront of key initiatives, essential to building a thriving sector under GBR and a stronger economy for Britain’s future.” Some of GTR’s most recent achievements, that provide a blueprint for GBR include: 10-year track record of operating a state-of-the-art joint Network Rail-GTR control room at Three Bridges. Investing in skills and employability to attract young and diverse people to rail, with an award-winning apprenticeship programme and a 10-year partnership with the King’s Trust. Generating £192m in social value through community, careers, sustainability and wellbeing initiatives in the past 15 months alone. Delivering an award-winning timetable consultation with customers and communities on the south coast. This best-in-class approach can be used by others and delivered a 10 per cent increase in Saturday ridership, 50 per cent reduction in standing customers arriving into Brighton and a £3.6m increase in revenue between June and September 2024. Adopting pioneering in-cab digital signalling, with 100 per cent of Northern City Line services now running under ETCS – the first UK rail commuter route using this technology. Introducing over 1,500 modern carriages, transforming what was one of the UK’s oldest fleets. Gatwick Express new 387 2s at station. Photo credit: GTR https://lnkd.in/eK8Nqjkg

Transport for Wales (TfW) has achieved the greatest punctuality improvement of any UK train operator, according to the latest figures published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The improved performance, measured across the Wales and Borders network, follows the introduction of brand-new rolling stock as part of a major Welsh Government investment. https://lnkd.in/ed3WBKPZ

🇪🇺 🚆 🌍 Today is Day of the Train Driver! Kristian Schmidt (Director Land Transport European Commission (DG Move) / EU Transport shares his message of appreciation: "You are literally driving the future towards sustainable transport." Rail freight is essential for a sustainable and competitive Europe. Every train driver plays a crucial role in keeping supply chains running, reducing emissions, and strengthening Europe’s position as a logistics hub.   That is why the Day of the Train Driver is more than a celebration — it is a recognition of the profession’s importance and a call to bring it into the spotlight. Through the Rail Freight – The Future is Ours campaign, we highlight both the potential of the sector and the people who make it a reality. 👉 Learn more (website in Dutch): https://lnkd.in/eJZNKsc9 Rail Cargo information Netherlands RTB CARGO NETHERLANDS B.V. LTE Netherlands B.V. Rail Force One Rail Cargo Group Rotterdam Rail Feeding B.V. MEV Nederland BV Quality Rail Services METRANS Group MEDWAY Transports and Logistics Railpool European Loc Pool AG Port of Rotterdam Port of Moerdijk Port of Amsterdam Strukton Rail VolkerRail SWIETELSKY RAIL BENELUX B.V. Alpha Trains Group Tata Steel HSL Netherlands B.V. Machinext BV Qualis Rail BV Lineas KombiRail Europe B.V.

The UK rail network is set for a major shake-up as services operated by Greater Anglia officially transferred into public ownership this week. This move, which forms the backbone of the planned Great British Railways (GBR) system, means that half of all rail operators are now publicly owned. https://lnkd.in/g5ggnunW

Half of rail operators will be publicly owned from next week, forming the backbone of improved passenger services under Great British Railways (GBR), when services operated by Greater Anglia transfer on Sunday (12 October). More here: https://lnkd.in/ed4i84FU #railnews #railways #railindustry #railtransport #greateranglia

Transport for Wales (TfW) continues to show an improvement in passenger service punctuality across the Wales and Borders network. The latest figures published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) reveals TfW achieved the greatest improvement in punctuality among all UK train operators between April and June 2025.  #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail https://lnkd.in/egXSmSSv

Rail passengers in Cardiff are now travelling on a new generation of trains as Transport for Wales rolls out its Class 756 electric fleet across the capital’s suburban lines. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e8tgxtK3

Greater Anglia is set to transfer to public ownership this Sunday, making it the third train operating company to enter public ownership under the government’s Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act. The operator has one of the youngest fleets in the country and recently won Rail Operator of the Year at the National Transport Awards. Consequently, the government says it is planning on using Greater Anglia as a benchmark for other operators. https://ow.ly/zWyj50X9Ave