Britain's Largest Train Operator Govia Thameslink Railway Goes Public

On Sunday 31 May 2026, Govia Thameslink Railway's Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express services will transfer to public ownership as part of the Great British Railways reforms. The move puts around 8 in 10 passenger rail journeys that will eventually be managed by Great British Railways under public control.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the change will help tackle cancellations and improve service frequency, especially on the Gatwick Express route. The operator's 100‑day plan includes doubling Gatwick Express trains each hour, recruiting up to 115 additional drivers, refurbishing train toilets, training 110 Travel Safe Officers, upgrading signalling between Farringdon and Blackfriars to prevent over 1,000 annual cancellations, and launching a WhatsApp support channel and new online payment options. The railway carries hundreds of millions of passengers annually, contributes about £3.2 billion to the UK economy and supports 40,000 jobs, while also backing the delivery of new homes, schools and employment space.