The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that West Midlands Trains will transfer to public ownership on 1 February 2026. The move is part of the government’s ongoing Public Ownership Programme and will see the company’s operations brought under the control of the Operator of Last Resort (OLR).
West Midlands Trains currently operates under the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway brands, running services across a network stretching from Liverpool to London via the West Midlands.
In a statement released on Monday 28 July 2025, the DfT said it is committed to ensuring a smooth transition. “Our customers can be assured this change will not impact our train services, timetables or stations. All ticket validities and conditions of carriage are unaffected,” the department said.
Ian McConnell, managing director of West Midlands Trains, expressed pride in the company’s achievements during the franchise period, stating: “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved under this franchise, delivering a GBP 1 billion investment in two new train fleets and delivering significantly improved performance which has transformed rail travel for millions of customers.
“As we transition to a publicly owned railway, our focus remains on delivering an outstanding service for our passengers.”
Since the start of the franchise in 2017, West Midlands Trains has introduced more than 100 new trains onto its network. The operator has also played a key role in supporting major events, including managing public transport during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which saw millions of passenger journeys delivered during the event.
The DfT has not yet confirmed the branding or operating name under which the services will run once in public hands. Further announcements are expected closer to the transfer date.
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