DfT Operator Archives - International Railway Journal

DfT Operator

June 10, 2026 | Policy

British government outlines key milestones in journey to GBR

Great British Railways (GBR) expected to come into operation next year. Government will publish a 30-year rail strategy in autumn 2027.

June 1, 2026 | Policy

Britain's largest passenger operator returns to public ownership

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) carried 298 million passengers in 2024-25.

February 2, 2026 | Policy

British operator West Midlands Trains returns to public ownership

Eight operators now managed by the Department for Transport.

December 9, 2025 | Policy

Great British Railways branding unveiled

Livery and logo presented to the public as legislation to create GBR is debated in Parliament.

November 27, 2025 | Commuter Rail

New CEO for Britain’s public passenger operator

Alex Hynes will succeed Robin Gisby as CEO of DfT Operator as prelude to formation of Great British Railways.

November 7, 2025 | Policy

Great British Railways coming soon

Expanded role for regulator under new industry structure.

July 21, 2025 | Commuter Rail

Sixth British passenger operator returns to public ownership

Transfer comes with end of contract held by Trenitalia to operate c2c commuter services.

May 25, 2025 | Policy

British passenger operator returns to public ownership

South Western Railway will have to meet specific performance targets before it is rebranded as Great British Railways.

January 8, 2025 | Europe

Britain’s path to renationalisation emerges

The biggest shake-up to Britain’s railway sector since privatisation in the 1990s is underway and will take significant strides forward in 2025, as Kevin Smith explains.

December 4, 2024 | Policy

First British operators to return to public ownership

South Western Railway, c2c and Greater Anglia will all return to public ownership in 2025.

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