26 June 2025
TransPennine Express has been in public ownership for two years. But operating companies are only one part of the railway system, and private competitors remain. Photo Workers.
Rail passenger numbers have rebounded since the pandemic. This has brought back into focus the failure of the private franchised model. The Labour government’s policy is to take operating companies into public ownership through Great British Railways.
Workers spoke to a railway worker about the prospect of Labour’s rail nationalisation and other issues affecting the industry.
Q: What's your opinion of Labour’s rail nationalisation policy?
A: Well, it’s not proper nationalisation. Rolling stock is still in private hands, ticket selling companies are private, open access operators are encouraged to bid.
“The aim should be a reliable and affordable service nationwide.”
Q: What should Government policy look like?
A: There should be a solid structure behind it, recognising the need for improved infra structure, renewal of track, electrification of the whole network, modernisation of terms and conditions including Sunday working. The aim should be to create a convenient, reliable and affordable service nationwide.
Q: What's your opinion of HS2?
A: In principle I’m in favour of it. It’s been badly implemented. It stands for extra capacity but people don’t realise that. Londoners complained about Crossrail but it’s been a huge success.
Fares increase
Q: Any other points you’d like to make?
A: Because of the drop in numbers after the pandemic rail fares rose dramatically so it’s more expensive to travel by train than car now. Every January fares rise automatically. This has to stop. Fare standardisation is a must.
• Rail union RMT is campaigning for an end to outsourcing in the industry under the slogan “One railway – one workforce”. It seeks to create a single, integrated, publicly owned railway, with an integrated workforce.
• Lobby group We Own It is calling on the government to “truly deliver for passengers” with return of operating companies to public ownership, with a write-in campaign to MPs.