DFTO News - News

More new trains, better journeys: SWR celebrates one year in public ownership

Mon, 25 May 2026 15:16:00 Z

The roll-out of the South Western Arterio fleet shows how nationalisation of the railway is transforming passenger journeys.

Full steam ahead for Great British Railways as first branded train unveiled

Thu, 21 May 2026 08:39:00 Z

The first Great British Railways‑branded train has been unveiled as services move into public ownership, with new branding rolling out across England’s rail network.

Rail timetable changes THIS Sunday deliver more seats, new overnight links and the return of a classic service

Thu, 14 May 2026 09:58:00 Z

Rail passengers across the country will benefit from increased capacity, improved connectivity and targeted service enhancements when the national rail timetable changes on Sunday (17 May).

Transport Secretary confirms transfer date for Great Western Railway (GWR)

Fri, 08 May 2026 08:52:00 Z

GWR will move into public ownership on Sunday 13 December 2026.

Shortlist for new GBR HQ down to final two Derby locations

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:20:00 Z

Two sites in Derby have made the final shortlist for a new Great British Railways (GBR) HQ.

DFTO's Chair's letter

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:31:00 Z

The Department for Transport has published the DFTO's Chair's letter sent by the secretary of state for transport, Heidi Alexander MP.

DFTO takes next steps towards Great British Railways

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:32:00 Z

A new era for railway leadership begins as Laura Shoaf, Tony Poulter and Charles Donald are appointed as Non-Executive Directors to the Department for Transport Operator (DFTO) Board, helping to set up Great British Railways (GBR).

Rail industry searching for UK innovators to solve four key challenges

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 10:52:00 Z

The rail industry is calling on the UK’s brightest minds to help shape the future of transport, inviting creators, problem-solvers and disruptors from every corner of the country to help improve sustainability, safety and accessibility across Britain’s rail network.

World Hearing Day 2026: Publicly owned train operators making journeys easier by breaking down communication barriers

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:18:00 Z

Train operators in public ownership are marking World Hearing Day (Tuesday 3 March) by highlighting initiatives that have improved the travel experience for deaf, hard‑of‑hearing and British Sign Language (BSL)‑using passengers.

Chief executive of train operators in public ownership outlines ‘real world’ benefits Great British Railways will bring to everyday passengers

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:29:00 Z

Great British Railways (GBR) will put passengers back at the heart of the railways, delivering a safe, sustainable and high-performing network that delivers value for money and a consistently better experience for customers, according to DfT Operator (DFTO) chief executive, Alex Hynes.