Almost a year after the launch of the program through which the British government is gradually bringing railway operators into public ownership, the first results are beginning to be seen on the network. The London executive says that the “public service, not shareholder service” model allows for accelerated investment, increased capacity, and improved passenger services.
The program, which began in December 2024, is gradually integrating operators such as c2c, Greater Anglia, LNER, Northern, South Western Railway, and Southeastern into the new Great British Railways structure. The goal is clear: a more predictable, accessible, and customer-oriented network.
Increasing capacity and modernizing the urban network
One of the most visible projects is the expansion of c2c’s capacity on the route to Essex. The reconfiguration of platform 2 at Basildon will allow 12-car trains to operate, which means up to 6,500 additional seats per week during peak hours. The modernization of Barking station—one of the busiest—includes new access gates, a modern elevator, and retail space.
Greater Anglia is moving forward with plans for standardized modular stations that are faster and cheaper to build, the first example being the future Wickford Hub station. At the same time, the new, fully accessible Cambridge South station will open in 2026.
Greater Anglia is also preparing to expand contactless payments through Project Oval Phase 2, covering an additional 11 million annual journeys.
Better journey times and accelerated digitization
From December 2025, LNER will introduce a new train schedule that will bring 4.4 million additional seats annually, more trains, higher speeds, and new promotional fares on the East Coast Main Line. The operator is installing modern information systems in stations and preparing to modernize training for front-line staff.
A key element is the introduction of instant updates in the event of disruptions, generated by artificial intelligence, which will enable more efficient incident management and faster timetable recovery.
Modern equipment and infrastructure investment
Northern is running a program to modernize braking systems to reduce delays caused by fallen leaves in the fall season — one of the main causes of disruption in the UK.
The operator is also introducing a pilot GPS-based “pay-as-you-go” system, in which the phone automatically calculates the most advantageous fare of the day.
South Western Railway is investing over EUR 600 million in line, signaling, and level crossing upgrades, while the delivery of Arterio trains continues apace toward a modernized suburban transport system.
Improved accessibility and safety
Southeastern is extending contactless payments to 23 more stations and continuing preparations for the procurement of new rolling stock for the London metropolitan area.
Technologies such as thermal cameras and artificial intelligence analysis will enable early detection of infrastructure defects, preventing thousands of minutes of delays.
TransPennine Express reports a 79% reduction in cancellations compared to 2023, following the return to the overtime agreement for mechanics.
The operator is investing in accessibility, safety—by introducing community officers at stations—and connectivity, with improvements to the onboard Wi-Fi network.
A rail system trying to (re)gain public trust
The British government insists that the public ownership format allows operators to reinvest all revenues in improving services, not in paying dividends.
From new trains to digital upgrades and increased accessibility, the reforms are presented as the beginning of a structural transformation of rail transport in the UK.
The initial results are encouraging, but it remains to be seen whether this model will succeed in delivering the consistency and reliability that passengers have been demanding for years.
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