Second train company nationalised and returned to public ownership
The company had been controlled by Italy's state-owned rail firm, Trenitalia, since 2017.
The Department for Transport (DfT) Operator, now managing the services, confirmed that previously purchased tickets will remain valid and fares are not changing as a direct result of the transfer.
The move comes as c2c boasts a strong passenger satisfaction record, achieving an 89 per cent rating in the latest Transport Focus research. This placed it as the joint sixth best performer among 22 operators.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'Whether you're shopping in Lakeside or walking along the beach in Southend-on-Sea, from today you will be able to get there on a train service run by the public, for the public.
'Public ownership is already tackling deep-rooted problems we see on the railway that's led to spiralling costs, fragmentation and waste.
'A unified network under Great British Railways will take this further with one railway under one brand with one mission – delivering excellent services for passengers wherever they travel.'
GBR is an upcoming public sector body that will oversee Britain's rail infrastructure and train operation.
Ernesto Sicilia, managing director at Trenitalia UK, said: 'As the franchise moves to public ownership, we acknowledge both the progress made and the ongoing challenges of unifying a fragmented rail industry.
'In the meantime, we will continue to support and deliver services on the Avanti West Coast franchise until it too transitions to public ownership in 2026.
'While our role as operator is ending, our dedication to sharing knowledge, supporting innovation and fostering collaboration remains unchanged.
'We recognise that building a resilient and integrated rail network takes time and Trenitalia is determined to play a constructive part in that journey.'
South Western Railway became the first operator brought into public ownership by the Labour Government in May.
It joined Northern, TransPennine Express, Southeastern and LNER, which were nationalised under the Conservative government because of performance failings by the former owners of those franchises.
The next operator to be nationalised will be Greater Anglia on October 12.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Express
9 minutes ago
- Auto Express
EV grants: Call me crazy, but I reckon the government's got a plan…
The reintroduction of EV grants is great – a definite step in the right direction and exactly what the automotive industry has been crying out for. But the confusion around who or what might be eligible has sparked knee-jerk reactions from manufacturers not prepared to see sales stall while we all wait for answers. Advertisement - Article continues below Was this the government's plan all along? Announce a murky idea with an intriguing headline, delay the start and any clarification, and wait for the world and his dog to drop prices and make electric cars more affordable? Let them do the hard work so Sir Keir and his cabinet don't have to? Mission accomplished. In a hurry to buy an EV? Our Find a Car service has a host of deals on new electric cars available to buyers now, or alternatively check out our great used electric car prices. Consumers have longed for ICE and electric-car price parity since the days of the original Nissan Leaf, and in recent years the government has flat-out refused to help. But now, with what cynics might describe as some clever manipulation, it has made it look like it has the interests of the industry in its sights while, in effect, forcing the hand of those who feed it. A scheme quite obviously targeted at supporting the UK and European electric-car industry – or, as the mischievous might suggest, actively designed to throttle Chinese and Korean disruptors – has been so badly initiated that even brands from France (Renault) and Italy (Alfa Romeo) have jumped to cut prices. Think that the likes of MG, Leapmotor and Kia have done the same is merely coincidental? I'm not so sure, Whatever the ultimate aim of this scheme, interested parties are able to buy an EV for less than they could 10 days ago. Trouble is, that same EV might be more affordable still come 11 August. Find a car with the experts Hyundai reduces prices across its entire EV range Hyundai reduces prices across its entire EV range Korean brand acts swiftly to cut prices on all its electric cars, amid confusion over Government's grant scheme Congestion Charge EV exemption removal to generate over £75million per year Congestion Charge EV exemption removal to generate over £75million per year TfL is planning to raise the Congestion Charge to £18, and EV drivers will have to pay too Dacia's baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag Dacia's baby EV due in 12 months with a tiny £15k price tag Dacia's new model will be developed in double-quick time, and it'll be built in Europe to avoid China tariffs
The Independent
9 minutes ago
- The Independent
National Trust could be forced to ditch British favourite from menu due to job cuts
The National Trust is proposing to cut approximately 550 jobs, representing six per cent of its staff, as part of a plan to save £26m. The charity attributes the need for these savings to rising costs, including increases in employers' National Insurance and the National Living Wage. As part of the cost-cutting measures, some National Trust cafes may cease baking scones on-site, with the beloved British treats potentially being shipped in from a central source. These changes to scone provision are expected to affect less than ten per cent of the charity's cafes, specifically smaller, less financially sustainable outlets. The National Trust stated that despite growing visitor numbers and donations, increasing costs are outstripping this growth, necessitating measures to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
The Independent
9 minutes ago
- The Independent
The cost of home renovations has become a lot cheaper
Analysis by the Checkatrade Home Improvement Index reveals that the typical costs for various home renovations have decreased in recent months. Significant price drops have been observed for bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom fittings, with average costs falling in the second quarter of this year. Other home improvement services, including painting and decorating, window and door fitting, and plastering, have also seen price reductions. Checkatrade attributes these falling prices primarily to a reduction in material costs, indicating a return to more typical market levels. Air conditioning prices have also recently fallen, with data suggesting that installing air conditioning could increase a property 's value.
