News / Transport
GWR to be renationalised by end of 2026
The train operator whose green liveried vehicles connect Bristol with London, Wales and the South West will be brought back into public ownership by the end of the year.
GWR is currently part of FirstGroup but will be renationalised on December 13 as part of government plans to renationalise all passenger trains.
A Department for Transport spokesperson called the announcement by transport secretary Heidi Alexander “another significant moment for the government’s flagship public ownership programme and brings a simpler, more reliable network under Great British Railways a step closer”.
“The government is delivering on its commitment to bring services back into public ownership and put passengers, not shareholders, at the heart of our railways.”
West of England mayor, Helen Godwin, added: “I’m sure everyone in the West who, like me, catches the train will welcome this news.
“We need a transport network which works, and putting the trains back under public ownership will put people’s needs at the heart of Great British Railways.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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