Chiltern Railways renationalised after 30 years
UKPulse News Desk
Chiltern Railways has been brought into public ownership, becoming the 10th rail company under Great British Railways (GBR). The government states this is part of plans to save money and improve services.
- Chiltern Railways, privatised in 1996, is now under public ownership.
- The transfer aims to tackle overcrowding with 25 additional daily services from December, providing 10,000 extra seats.
- Great Western Railway's services are scheduled to be brought into public ownership next, on 13 December.
Chiltern Railways has been brought into public ownership after 30 years as a private company. It is now the 10th rail company under Great British Railways (GBR), a government programme of public ownership.
The government stated that the transfer aims to save money and improve services. It also said the move would tackle overcrowding by introducing 25 additional daily services from December, providing 10,000 extra seats.
These additional weekday services will include half-hourly trains on the Chiltern Main Line between London and Birmingham, as well as more weekend services. The rail operator also stated that the rollout of new trains would improve accessibility and provide better Wi-Fi on board.
From Sunday, passengers whose train has been cancelled can use another operator's service two hours either side of their train to their destination at no extra cost. The aim is for GBR to operate all passenger services by the end of 2027, with Great Western Railway's services scheduled to be brought into public ownership on 13 December.
Why this matters: The government's programme of public ownership for rail companies aims to improve services and save money.
What this means for you: From Sunday, if your train is cancelled, you can use another operator's service two hours either side of your original train to reach your destination at no extra cost. From December, Chiltern Railways will introduce 25 additional daily services, providing 10,000 extra seats, including half-hourly services on weekdays between London and Birmingham.