The Department for Transport has unveiled the timetable for the renationalisation of train operators, with services running from London to Devon the first to be run by the Government under the new laws.
The announcement of the first services to be nationalised comes after the shock resignation of Louise Haigh as transport secretary, who was widely seen as the driving force behind the nationalisation policy.that there is no guarantee that the move will improve services or reduce ticket prices, while several have said the policy could end up costing the taxpayer more.
Several rail contracts are already under government control, run by what is known as the Operator of Last Resort, including Northern, Transpennine Express and LNER.