The march towards passenger rail network nationalisation is continuing with West Midlands Trains announcing when they are due to transfer back to public control.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that West Midlands Trains – operator of services under the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway brands – is set to transfer to public ownership on 1 February 2026.
Currently, West Midlands Trains is operated by Transport UK Group (formerly Alibeo) and Mitsui & Co.
London Northwestern Railway services operate between Liverpool and Birmingham, and on the West Coast Main Line to and from London Euston, whilst West Midlands Railway services operate to destinations across the West Midlands via Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill.
Since the start of the West Midlands Trains franchise in 2017, more than 100 new trains have been introduced onto the network, which stretches from Liverpool to London via the West Midlands – namely, the Class 730, which have been deployed in five-car and three-car sets and the Class 196 (deployed in two and three-car units).
The company attempted to introduce the DTrains (Class 230) on the Marston Vale Line by Vivarail; however, with Vivarail becoming insolvent, leading to the reintroduction of Class 150 on this route.
West Midlands Trains also operates the Class 350 Desiro, Class 172 Turbostar and Class 139 Parry People Mover.
In Quotes
Ian McConnell, managing director of West Midlands Trains, said:
“I am extremely proud of what we have achieved under this franchise, delivering a £1billion investment in two new train fleets and delivering significantly improved performance which has transformed rail travel for millions of customers.
“As we transition to a publicly owned railway, our focus remains on delivering an outstanding service for our passengers.”
No changes expected in the short term
West Midlands Trains is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to public ownership. As such, this will not impact train services, timetables, or stations. All ticket validities and conditions of carriage are unaffected during the transition from private to public ownership.
We’ll have to see how things pan out in the longer term, and if West Midlands Trains (and its sub-brands) will get the “Great British Railways” mark of excellence…
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