Train company used by millions facing huge change as warning issued
A railway operator used by millions could be brought under public ownership as soon as next year, reports have suggested. The “core contract” of West Midlands Trains expired on Sunday, September 15 - and the firm has been warned to prepare for change.
While its full contract won’t expire until September 2026, the Government now has the power to terminate any deal with just 12 weeks notice. And that is something Labour has promised to do quickly.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is not expected to act until new laws complete their passage through parliament. But she previously said ministers would be “wasting no time” in bringing services back under public ownership.
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The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill has already been rushed through the House of Commons. The legislation means the Government will take over services from private firms as their franchises expire.
Factoring in time for the bill to pass the House of Lords and gain royal assent, it is likely services will be brought under Government control in the first half of next year. Greater Anglia Trains is also likely to be among the first nationalised.
Ms Haigh previously said: “For too long our broken railways have failed passengers day in day out with delays and cancellations. That’s why I am laser focused on overhauling the railways and wasting no time in bringing train operating companies back under public ownership where they belong.
“As soon as our public ownership bill is on the statute book, we will be starting the process of public ownership by serving notice on these operators. [That will put] an end to our wasteful and fragmented privatised railway and deliver for passengers.”
According to the firm’s website, West Midlands Trains “gives people and businesses in our region the rail service they deserve”. It pledges to put customers’ needs first and support those facing disruption as quickly as possible.
West Midlands Trains operates both West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway services. It runs 1,300 services a day, manages 150 stations and provides over 70 million passenger journeys a year, according to a 2019 statement.
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