News

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Alex Hynes - Chief Executive of DfT Operator

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

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.

Ian McConnell, Heidi Alexander and Alex Hynes

London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services return to public ownership

From 1 February 2026, passengers who travel with London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway will benefit from reliable and better-connected services.

Leafbusting - applicator

Public train operators pioneer new leaf-busting tactics this autumn from cryogenics to the ‘Sand Rover’

South Eastern Railway are deploying the ‘Sand Rover’ 4x4 for the first time on their network to keep vital aviation fuel moving.

SWR are working closely with Network Rail on passenger trains fitted with reactive sand and water applicators.

Meanwhile, Northern are trialling new technology that fires dry ice pellets at leaves to freeze and blast them off the tracks,

Image shows Heaton depot service roads

Engineering synergy: Publicly owned train operators co-ordinate maintenance plans to improve depot efficiency

Train operators in public ownership have begun co-ordinating their maintenance plans at Heaton depot in Tyne & Wear in an efficiency drive that is expected to be rolled out across the country.