In May 2025, South Western Railway transferred into public ownership under DFTO (DfT Operator Ltd).
DFTO is the Government’s rail Owning Group and delivery partner for its flagship Public Ownership Programme, which will help deliver the Government’s commitment to reform Britain’s railways and unite them under Great British Railways.
Following the Royal Assent of the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill 2024, DFTO was given a mandate by the Government to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership.
The Government’s vision is to provide a railway that works better for both passengers and taxpayers across Great Britain. DFTO’s purpose is to enact the mandate won by government, delivering unified and integrated train operations under common public ownership.
What does this mean for customers?
By working in collaboration with Network Rail and partners, the vision is for publicly owned operators to become industry-leading in performance, passenger satisfaction, safety, operational efficiency and service, making the railway simpler to use for passengers, and better value for the passenger and taxpayers.
As a Group, DFTO and its operators have an opportunity to find innovative and efficient solutions to the challenges faced in rail. Under public ownership DFTO, its operators, and Network Rail are working together to find better ways to deliver a service to be proud of. Together, the Group is relentless in its efforts to improve every single journey.
Ultimately, all train operators across the country will operate under one banner – Great British Railways – delivering a single, integrated railway, making train travel better value for passengers and simpler to everyone.
