Local Train operator to be nationalised

Nationalising train operators was a Labour manifesto commitment. It is also part of Labour’s wider plans for rail reform which started this year and is expected to be complete by 2027.

Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed thid week that West Midlands Trains – operator of services under the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway brands – is set to transfer to public ownership on 1 February 2026.

Ian McConnell, managing director of West Midlands Trains, said: “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved under this franchise, delivering a £1billion investment in two new train fleets and delivering significantly improved performance which has transformed rail travel for millions of customers.”

The gradual transfer of these private businesses into public ownership is down the expiry of the contracts to operate rail services. This means that the timing of the transfers to align with the contract expiry dates will result in no compensation being paid to the outgoing operators.

The other operator in Telford is Transport for Wales which is already in public ownership.