Hitchin MP welcomes return of Thameslink services to public ownership

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

MONDAY 6^th OCTOBER 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin, has welcomed government news that Thameslink services will return to public ownership on 31 May 2026.

The transfer will come at no cost to government, with the contract being removed from Thameslink’s operator after its expiry.

Mr Strathern has been working since the election to challenge the reliability of Thameslink services to Hitchin and Arlesey stations in his constituency. 

The date for Thameslink was announced alongside the 2026 dates for West Midlands Trains, Chiltern Railways and Great Western Railways to move into public ownership too. This move means that by the middle of next year, 8 in 10 passenger journeys across Britain will be run by publicly owned services. 

In the months ahead, work will ramp up to transfer services to the new public operator Great British Railways for May next year

Alistair has long been a vocal advocate for reforming our transport system, including in his local work. He has met commuter and users’ groups who face delays, overcrowding and unreliable services through Hitchin and Arlesey. He has raised questions in Parliament about the reliability of Thameslink services, and frequently met with Thameslink, Network Rail and our local councils to push for improvements.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

“This is a welcome moment for passengers across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and beyond.

“For too long, too much of our rail service has been fragmented and driven by private profit over public good. Bringing Thameslink back into public control is a step toward a railway that works for the people who rely on it every day. 

“There is still more to do to deliver the reliable services Hitchin and Arlesey rail users should be able to expect. 

“But with no extra cost to government, and clear evidence that public operation improves passenger satisfaction, this is an important move towards getting things back on track.

“The work to make the transition as effective as possible begins now.

“Local rail users should rest assured that I’ll be pressing Ministers and officials to ensure the Government makes the most of this opportunity.”

Notes for Editors

You can see more information about the nationalisation of rail operators in 2026, here.