Feature

Switching tracks to public ownership

Have you ever shelled out an extortionate amount of money for a relatively simple train journey, only to discover that your train is delayed, the toilets are out of order – oh, and just for good measure, there are no empty seats? If you’re British, don’t worry, there’s no need to respond, that was rhetorical.

07/01/2025 10:29:14

For decades, we, as a country, have resigned ourselves to overpriced, poorly run rail services, with trains actually arriving on time considered to be a pleasant bonus. However, that might just be about to change, thanks to the re-nationalisation of railways.

That’s right, after 30 years of privatisation, our rail system is finally being taken back into public ownership. The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024 has now officially received Royal Assent, paving the way for a major overhaul of Britain’s railways.

The Government is presenting this as a solution to the “unacceptable levels of delays, cancellations and waste” under the current franchising model.

Read the full article in DPA's January 2025 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.