Train services from Bournemouth and across the South Western Railway network are now officially under public control, following the first transfer under new government legislation.
The change marks the start of a national rail reform programme that will see all services run under public ownership by the end of 2027. South Western Railway is the first operator to switch, with others to follow as contracts end.
From today, trains from Bournemouth to London Waterloo, Weymouth and Exeter are run directly by a public body. The long-term aim is for services to become part of Great British Railways, a new nationally owned organisation that will be responsible for both trains and infrastructure.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, speaking from Bournemouth’s SWR depot, said the move is about restoring trust. “Trains from Waterloo to Weymouth, Bournemouth and Exeter, will be run by the public, for the public,” she said.
Operators must now meet strict performance standards in order to earn the Great British Railways name. These include punctuality, cancellation rates and customer service.
The government says public ownership will improve reliability and save up to £150 million a year, which can be reinvested into the railway.
A new ‘coming soon’ logo appeared at Waterloo Station this morning to mark the change, and will also be shown at other SWR stations including Bournemouth.