The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that Greater Anglia will transfer to public ownership on 12 October 2025.
The move will see the East Anglian rail operator brought under the control of a government-owned company. This will follow the nationalisation of South Western Railway on 25 May 2025 and of c2c in July 2025.
The initiative delivers on a key government manifesto promise to bring rail operations back into public control, aiming to improve service reliability, reduce delays and cancellations, and cut costs.
According to the DfT, public ownership is also projected to save up to 150 million GBP annually by eliminating fees paid to private operators, ensuring that all funds are reinvested in the network.
Greater Anglia, which is currently operated by Abellio East Anglia, has been responsible for train services in the region since 2012. Over that period, it has overseen a 2 billion GBP investment programme, including the introduction of a new fleet of trains and changes to infrastructure and service delivery. Passenger usage increased to 82 million journeys across the network in the 2024/25 financial year.
The operator has also engaged with local authorities and community groups to support environmental and social initiatives. What’s more, it currently remains the most punctual operator in the UK for the second consecutive year.
Greater Anglia Managing Director Martin Beable said:I am very proud of what we have achieved here in East Anglia over the past thirteen years, significantly improving standards, investing in a complete fleet of new trains, and working closely with the local community.
As we transition to a publicly owned railway, we remain focused on delivering outstanding levels of service for our passengers.
Greater Anglia has stated that arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth transition. There are no planned changes to train services, timetables, ticket validity, or station facilities as a result of the transition. Existing employees will transfer to the new publicly owned company under the same employment terms.
