Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Transfer of South Western Railway’s services into public ownership

22 May 2025 · Department for Transport

Proposed by Heidi Alexander Lab Swindon South

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The transfer of South Western Railway's services into public ownership will occur on May 25, 2025.
  • South Western Railway Limited will operate as a subsidiary of DfT Operator Limited until the establishment of Great British Railways.
  • Future transfers for C2C and Greater Anglia are outlined, with an expiry notice issued to Greater Anglia for October 12, 2025.

Issue summary

The statement confirms the transfer of South Western Railway’s services into public ownership on May 25, 2025, under the Passenger Railways Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024.

Action requested

South Western Railway Limited will operate the service as a subsidiary of DfT Operator Limited until it transfers to Great British Railways upon its establishment. The statement also outlines future transfers for C2C and Greater Anglia, with an expiry notice issued to Greater Anglia for October 12, 2025.

Key facts

  • South Western Railway’s services will transfer into public ownership on Sunday 25 May 2025.
  • The transfer is under the Passenger Railways Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024.
  • C2C's services will transfer into public ownership on 20 July 2025.
  • An expiry notice has been issued to Greater Anglia, with their contract expiring on 12 October 2025.
  • South Western Railway Limited will be a subsidiary of DfT Operator Limited (DfTO).
  • GBR is expected to consolidate 14 train operating companies, Network Rail and DfTO into one organisation.
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