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Great Western Railway to be nationalised on 13 December 2026

Looking back, 9 May 2026: It was reported that Great Western Railway, which runs the trains through Swindon, would move into public ownership on 13 December 2026.

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Looking backThis story covers news from . Swindo wrote it later from the published source, and published it on 12 November 2026. More from that day

Last updated: 12 November 2026

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Swindo headline card: Great Western Railway to be nationalised on 13 December 2026
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Great Western Railway (GWR), the operator of the daily train services through Swindon, was to be nationalised on 13 December 2026, Swindon24 reported on Saturday 9 May 2026.

The move was part of the Government's plan to bring passenger rail under state control through Great British Railways. GWR was to be the 11th train company taken into public ownership since Labour came into government. The reforms were being led by Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary and MP for Swindon South.

What did it mean for passengers in Swindon?

Swindon relies on main line services to London, Bristol, Cardiff and the South West. The Government said public ownership would improve coordination, simplify ticketing and make trains more reliable.

Ministers had not promised lower fares or immediate improvements for passengers, the report said.

The transfer date matched the December 2026 timetable change. The transfer was to happen as the existing contract ran out, so no significant early-termination compensation was needed. The operator had been privately run for about three decades.

What was said?

Ms Alexander said the change would help create "a railway passengers can rely on".

A Great Western Railway spokesperson said: "We welcome the clarity provided by the announcement and will continue to work closely with the Department for Transport".

The spokesperson added: "Throughout this process, our priority will be maintaining a punctual, reliable service for customers".

Source: Swindon24.

More from Swindo: Swindon railway station.

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Swindon Railway Station

Transport

Swindon railway station is on the Great Western Main Line and is managed by Great Western Railway (GWR). It is on Station Road, SN1 1DQ, with step-free access to all platforms.

SN1 1DQ