From today (1 February 2026), the operation of West Midlands Trains (London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services) has transferred into public ownership and is being managed by DfT Operator Ltd (DFTO).
DFTO?is the government’s public sector owning group that will manage all train companies as they move into public ownership ahead of the creation of Great British Railways (GBR).
Public ownership of the railways will deliver an improved experience for passengers by bringing together train operators and the management of the railway’s infrastructure to improve performance, reduce subsidy, promote innovation and improve satisfaction, making the railway better for customers and taxpayers.
See Department for Transport press release for more information.