Greater Anglia to be nationalised in October
The operator will maintain services during the transition to public ownership
The Department for Transport has confirmed that Greater Anglia will be nationalised on 12th October 2025.
The company, will continue to provide services without disruption during the transition.
Greater Anglia has stated that train services, timetables, station facilities, and ticket conditions will remain unchanged during the transition.
The company also confirmed that all employees will transfer to the publicly owned entity, with no changes to their roles.
In 2024/25, Greater Anglia reported serving 82 million passengers throughout Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
In a release to the press, the company also noted that it has maintained its position as the most punctual train operator in the UK for the second consecutive year.
Since 2012, Greater Anglia has invested £2 billion to upgrade services, including the introduction of a new fleet of trains.
The company highlighted its efforts to work with local stakeholders to improve environmental performance and its impact on the community.
Martin Beable, Managing Director of Greater Anglia, said: “I am very proud of what we have achieved here in East Anglia over the past thirteen years, significantly improving standards, investing in a complete fleet of new trains, and working closely with the local community. As we transition to a publicly owned railway, we remain focused on delivering outstanding levels of service for our passengers.”
Greater Anglia has experienced several service disruptions over the past year, including cancellations and delays due to industrial action and planned engineering works.
A major strike by ASLEF drivers on 7 May 2024 resulted in most services being cancelled.
Additionally, significant track closures for infrastructure projects, such as around Cambridge during the Christmas period (2024), and the May 2025 bank holiday, caused disruptions, with replacement bus services provided.
Passenger complaints have mainly focused on punctuality, overcrowding, and on-board facilities.
Greater Anglia handled 12,954 formal complaints in 2023/24, with 13 complaints per 100,000 journeys recorded in mid-2024.
Complaints also arose from planned line closures, including lack of direct bus replacement services between Cambridge and Stansted.
Accessibility concerns were raised regarding Marks Tey station, which remains inaccessible for disabled passengers according to Transport Focus.
The introduction of a new fleet of Stadler trains has improved reliability, but there have been some complaints regarding reduced seating and amenities.
Ongoing track closures for major infrastructure projects, such as the Cambridge South station and associated works, have posed operational challenges, particularly during peak hours.