4 December 2024
RMT Press Office:
Rail union, RMT has welcomed the government’s announcement that South Western Railway will return to public ownership next year, marking the first step under the new Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act and the establishment of Great British Railways.
Rail company c2c is set to follow, with its services anticipated to be brought into public ownership by July 2025, ahead of Greater Anglia in autumn 2025.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “This is a significant step forward for passengers, rail workers, and those who want to see an efficient rail system run for the public good, rather than private profit.
"After decades of wasteful privatisation, South Western Railway, c2c and Greater Anglia returning to public ownership is the first step towards building a reliable, affordable, and integrated railway system.
“Bringing infrastructure and passenger services under one employer in public ownership, means proper investment in operations, harmonising conditions for staff, and prioritising the needs of passengers.
"RMT will support the roll out of Great British Railways and the tangible benefits a fully publicly owned rail system can bring."
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