From today, Sunday 25th May 2025 the operation of all SWR services has transferred into public ownership and is being managed by DFTO (DfT Operator Ltd).
The transfer does not impact on your planned journeys, tickets or timetables and all current tickets remain valid.
For any questions relating to your journey, please get in touch with our customer service centre on 0345 6000 650.
DFTO is the Government’s rail Owning Group and delivery partner for its flagship Public Ownership Programme. It was given a mandate by the Government to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership, contributing to the government’s long term plan to reform Britain’s railways.
The Government’s vision is to provide a railway that works better for both passengers and taxpayers across Great Britain.
Ultimately, all train operators across the country will operate under one banner – Great British Railways – delivering a single, integrated railway, making train travel better value for passengers and simpler to everyone.
For media queries relating to the Department for Transport’s Public Ownership Programme please contact the press office on 0300 7777 878.
FAQs
Why?
Why are South Western Railway the first to transfer?
The Government is bringing rail operators into public ownership at the end of or at a break point in their national rail contracts. As our National Rail Contract expires on 25 May 2025, SWR are the first to transfer.
Why is South Western Railway transferring to public ownership?
South Western Railway’s new owners will be Department for Transport Operator Limited (DFTO). The DFTO is the Government’s public sector operator and has been given a new mandate to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership, DFTO also operates London North Eastern Railway, Northern, Southeastern and TransPennine Express.
Eventually the Government plans to bring the railway’s track and train businesses, so Network Rail and operators including SWR, together under one umbrella organisation called Great British Railways which will be established over the coming years.
Fares are set by the Government and we will follow the same process used before the transfer, continuing with a range of tickets and offers to suit all journeys.
I have travel vouchers from a previous refund. Will these be honoured?
Yes, all valid tickets will continue to be accepted as they would have been before the transfer. We are working with all other train companies and third parties, such as Trainline, to ensure this process is uninterrupted.
What if I have an outstanding compensation claim when SWR transfers to public ownership?
We will deal with delay claims regardless of the date of travel to which it relates. Also, any other claims for compensation such as accidents at stations will be handled by SWR regardless of the date that they relate to.
The SWR (and Island Line) brand and the same brand colours when we transfer. There may be future changes to the brand when Great British Railways is created but there is no discussion yet on what that means for us.
A more united, integrated and simpler rail industry. There will be new initiatives and improvements rolling out across the public owned operators in the coming months and beyond, as we transition towards Great British Railways.
