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. This announcement is part of the DfT’s ongoing Public Ownership Programme.
The company has said it is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to public ownership. Customers can be assured this change will not impact their train services, timetables or stations. All ticket validity and conditions of carriage are unaffected.
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.”
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.
West Midlands Trains also led the successful public transport operation during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, delivering millions of passenger journeys during the event.
Image credit: iStock
