GREAT Western Railway (GWR), which operates trains via Crediton, is to be brought back under public ownership.

The Department for Transport did not give a precise date for the move, but said all passenger services operating under contracts with it are expected to return to public ownership by the end of 2027.

Eventually, GWR will be integrated into “Great British Railways”, a forthcoming state-owned railway company, as part of plans to renationalise rail services in Great Britain.

Some rail operators will not become part of Great British Railways, including ScotRail, Transport for Wales Rail, Eurostar and Merseyrail.

“After Greater Anglia’s services transfer on October 12, 2025, West Midlands Trains services will then follow on February 1, 2026, before Govia Thameslink Railway’s services on May 31, 2026, marking another significant step in the government’s plans to bring services into public ownership,” a Department for Transport spokesperson said.

“This means by the middle of next year, 8 in 10 passenger rail journeys that the department is responsible for will be owned by the public, for the public.

“Chiltern Railways and Great Western Railway services are then expected to follow, with the Secretary of State for Transport due to make final decisions on when exactly this will happen in due course.

“Services are being transferred after contracts reach the end of their minimum term, ensuring taxpayers pay no additional costs for breaking contracts early.

“Operators must meet rigorous, bespoke standards to earn the right to be called Great British Railways, so we can rebuild a world-class public service.

“This confirmation builds on the government’s delivery of the biggest reset of the railways in a generation, which will help to deliver better and more reliable services for passengers.

“Legislation to establish Great British Railways... will be introduced this Parliamentary session.”