Summary
Rail services between south Essex and London are now under public ownership for the first time since the 20th century, as c2c, the operator of these routes, was nationalized. The change is part of a government effort to unify the rail system in England, Wales, and Scotland under Great British Railways to improve service and reduce costs.
Key Facts
- Rail services between south Essex and London are now publicly owned.
- c2c, the operator of these services, became nationalized on a Sunday.
- The move is under the Great British Railways, a new governmental body managing the rail system.
- This change is possible due to the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024.
- c2c is the sixth rail operator in the UK to be nationalized.
- Greater Anglia, another rail operator, will also be nationalized on 12 October.
- Nationalization aims to save up to £150 million and reduce delays and cancellations.
- Critics worry that nationalization might increase taxpayer costs.
