Daniel Zeichner MP has welcomed the return of Govia Thameslink Railway services to public ownership under the Government’s Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act, describing it as “a significant opportunity to reset rail services for Cambridge passengers and strengthen reliability on key commuter routes into London and across the East of England.”
The change affects services operated by Govia Thameslink Railway, including Great Northern and Thameslink services that are essential for thousands of passengers travelling daily between Cambridge, Cambridge North, Royston, London King’s Cross, and central London.
The Government says the move will support service improvements, investment in staffing and training, and a more integrated railway system ahead of the creation of Great British Railways.
Daniel Zeichner MP, who represents Cambridge, said: “Rail connectivity is absolutely fundamental to Cambridge’s success – whether that’s commuters travelling into London, students and researchers connecting across the country, or the businesses that depend on reliable services. Bringing these rail operations into public ownership is a chance to put passengers first and finally focus the system on performance rather than profit.
“For Cambridge, that means better reliability, more resilient services on the King’s Cross and London routes, and a railway that properly supports our city’s continued growth and innovation.”
Under the new arrangements, GTR has set out plans including increased Gatwick Express frequency, additional off-peak Great Northern services from Moorgate, recruitment of new drivers to reduce cancellations, and enhanced passenger support during disruption.
The reforms are part of wider Government plans to establish Great British Railways, integrating track and train operations to improve coordination, reduce delays, and strengthen accountability to passengers and taxpayers.
Mr Zeichner added that Cambridge stands to benefit directly from improved coordination across the network:
“Cambridge has one of the fastest-growing rail markets in the country. As we plan for the future, we need a railway that can keep pace with that growth, supporting housing, jobs and sustainable travel. These reforms are a step towards that more joined-up system.”
The changes come as the first Great British Railways-branded trains begin to appear on the network, signalling the transition towards a single publicly owned railway identity across England and Wales.
