Train operator c2c has marked its first year under public ownership by reporting record-breaking operational performance, strong revenue growth and significant investment across its network.
Twelve months after transferring into public ownership under the Department for Transport Operator (DFTO), c2c has highlighted a year of notable achievements as it becomes part of the newly formed GBR Anglia structure, integrating the leadership teams of c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia.
A newly released film commemorating the milestone reveals that c2c was the UK's best-performing train operating company for reliability and punctuality between April 2025 and March 2026. The operator achieved an industry-leading 91.9% Time to 3 (T-3) score, the highest in the country.
The results also reinforce the wider success of rail services across the Anglia region. Combined with strong performance from Greater Anglia, the Anglia route was recognised as the most punctual railway in Britain during the period.
Alongside operational improvements, c2c delivered a strong commercial performance. Passenger numbers continued to grow throughout the year, ticket sales increased, and revenue rose by 10.6% compared with the previous financial year.
The operator has also strengthened its position as a leader in ticketing innovation. c2c remains the UK's only fully contactless National Rail network, and since the launch of its pay-as-you-go scheme last year, more than five million contactless journeys have been made to and from its Essex stations.
The past year has also seen continued investment in infrastructure and community engagement. Major station improvement works have been completed across the route, including platform renewals at Basildon, Limehouse and Rainham, extensive redevelopment of Barking station's main concourse, ticket office and gatelines, as well as lighting upgrades at multiple locations.
Meanwhile, charitable initiatives including Kick4Kindness and the Essex Ultra Marathon have raised more than £30,000 for local mental health and children's cancer charities.
Jamie Burles, Managing Director of GBR Anglia, said:
“I would like to thank colleagues across c2c and the wider Anglia route whose ongoing dedication, professionalism and commitment has ensured that c2c continues to be one of the industry's leading operators, with the railway in Anglia being one that our customers can trust and rely on.
“Our strong service performance and revenue growth in 2025/26 reflects our continued momentum under public ownership as we build back stronger and move towards Great British Railways.
“Now part of GBR Anglia, we remain fully committed to continuing to provide high-quality, accessible and reliable service for all our customers.”
Rob Mullen, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer at GBR Anglia and former c2c Managing Director, said:
“Over the last year we have continued to deliver for those who matter most – our customers, colleagues and the communities we serve.
“Our Kick4Kindness and Essex Ultra Marathon events have raised more than £30k for local mental health and children’s cancer charities, and our partnership with Southend United Football Club continues to bring people together while inspiring the next generation of supporters.
“We have also delivered a wide range of improvements across our estate, including platform renewal works at Basildon, Limehouse and Rainham, redevelopment of the main concourse, ticket offices and gatelines at Barking, and upgraded lighting at multiple locations across the route.
“It has been exciting to see over the last few days the first GBR Anglia-branded trains enter service, carrying the distinctive red, white and blue Great British Railways livery across c2c and the wider Anglia route.
“This is just the beginning. In the weeks and months ahead, more GBR Anglia trains will be coming into service across the region, providing a visible symbol of the progress we are making together as we move towards the introduction of Great British Railways.”
The introduction of the first GBR Anglia-branded trains marks the next stage in rail reform, providing passengers with a visible sign of the integration taking place across the region as the industry moves towards the creation of Great British Railways.
Image credits: c2c
