From today (31 May 2026), GTR services, operating as Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express will transfer into public ownership and be managed by DfT Operator Limited (DFTO).

DFTO is the government’s rail owning group and delivery partner for its flagship public ownership programme. It is responsible for bringing all the DfT-managed and privately-owned train operators into public ownership, ahead of the creation of Great British Railways (GBR).

Eight in 10 passenger rail journeys that GBR will ultimately be responsible for are now delivered by publicly owned operators under DFTO.

Public ownership puts passengers at the heart of the railways. It will help to deliver an improved service to customers by enabling public sector train operators and Network Rail to be brought together under GBR to improve performance and customer experience while working to reduce subsidy, empower colleagues, and continuously prioritise safety and sustainability.

See the Department for Transport press release for more information.