Should the government bring all remaining train companies into public ownership?
The government is transferring remaining private train operators to public ownership under Great British Railways as their contracts expire. Chiltern Railways joined in September 2026 with Great Western Railway due in December 2026 followed by others through 2027. This follows earlier transfers including Govia Thameslink Railway in May 2026 and aims to integrate track and train operations for reliability and efficiency.
49 Opinions
I remember British Rail. Anyone who remembers British Rail will vote NO.
Most of the problems are due to the network which is owned by the state.
No. Public ownership is not a magic wand. Look at Wales: Transport for Wales is publicly owned and passengers still suffer cancellations and poor service. Changing the logo on the operator doesn't fix bad management, infrastructure, productivity or accountability. Judge every operator on measurable performance and value for money. Use whichever operating model delivers the best railway and not nationalisation as an ideological end in itself.
Hell yes, along with all our utilities. 100%
Perhaps take what they have got and make an example of them. If it is amazing, then go for the others. Government has an opportunity to prove it is right, but not braking any records yet.
Privatisation has always been a rip off, public ownership would make things fairer for everyone instead of already rich shareholders and investors not from the UK.
This vote does not state whether the meaning is all rail companies, or just the passenger companies excluding freight.
no, but maybe a government stake would ensure its not being run as a cash cow to foreign investors
I remember a time when we had British Rail, we suffered from under investment accross the board. However, on this particular issue I voted yes, because granted we have better trains and stations under private ownership, but we are paying through the nose for it because profits always come first. I dont even mind the government making a few quid, but not at the rates it is now.
Commies, want state control over everything.