Last update 4 August 2024
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This page aims to bring together in one place all UK franchise activity. Whilst there are technical differences between a franchise, a management contract and a concession, for simplicity all are listed here as franchises. Similarly, there is a technical difference between a franchise extension and a direct award; in the interests of simplicity all are listed here as extensions. Each entry also has its GB timetable company code. Other company codes used for accounting appear on the business and sector code page and the service groups page.
Additional information regarding non-franchised operators appears near the bottom of the page. This section shows the appropriate GB timetable codes (for pre-privatisation TOCs only those codes not used later by the franchised equivalent) and operating dates. Early special circumstances and pioneers appear at the very end.
| Franchise | Name given by franchising authority at time of letting (note that this can change during a franchise lifetime or during the bidding process). Titles in bold, thus, are current and those with a strike through, |
|---|---|
| Company | Non-franchised operator company name or detail. |
| Preceded by | Links to preceding franchise(s) to simplify tracing operator history. |
| Dates | The dates for which the particular franchise ran. Entries are listed in order of start date. Note that most, but by no means all, franchises ran from/to 02:00/01:59 respectively to suit the railway traffic day. This listing treats the transition time as midnight of the calendar day. Emergency measures agreements: Operators marked with a pilcrow (¶) entered an emergency measures agreement with the Department for Transport on or around 23 March 2020, valid to 19 September 2020, to deal with the issues surrounding a public health epidemic (all such agreements were in place from 1 April 2020, back dated to 1 March 2020). Those marked with a section sign (§) followed suit around 9 April 2020 (back dated to 1 April 2020) with Transport Scotland (later progressively extended). Merseyrail Electrics 2002, MTR Corporation (Crossrail) and Arriva Rail London operate under different contract agreements where the letting authority already takes revenue risk. Most EMAs were replaced by Emergency Recovery Management Agreements (ERMAs), marked with a diamond (♦), of varying lengths (detail shown in each entry). |
| Trading as | Public face of a franchise or marketing title. |
| GB timetable code | Code used to distinguish the franchise's services in the GB Passenger Railway/National Rail timetable. For those operators/codes that do not normally appear in this timetable, marked with a dagger (†), the code that is (or has been) used in other systems (e.g. Realtime Trains or similar that receive official feeds). |
| Run by | The 'front end' limited company (legal entity) running the franchise. Where it is not obvious from the company name which group financially underpinned the franchise this is given in square brackets. Dates are given in parentheses where this changed during the franchise life. |
| Superseded by | Links to successor franchise(s) to simplify tracing operator development. |
| Notes | Any other useful or interesting information. |
| Franchise | |
|---|---|
| Preceded by | British Rail InterCity |
| Dates | 4 February 1996 to 4 February 2006 (original franchise originally to run to February 2003, three year extension option exercised) 5 February 2006 to 31 March 2006 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | Great Western Trains (to autumn 1998) First Great Western (from autumn 1998) |
| GB timetable code | GW |
| Run by | Great Western Trains Company Ltd [Great Western Holdings]✖Great Western Holdings was jointly owned by the management team, 3i and First Group, taken over completely by First Group from 6 March 1998 |
| Superseded by | First Greater Western Ltd |
| Notes | Trading name changed gradually during autumn 1998; the new name appeared in the 27 September 1998 timetable |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Network SouthEast |
| Dates | 4 February 1996 to 1 February 2004 (original franchise) 2 February 2004 to 3 February 2007 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | South West Trains |
| Run by | South West Trains Ltd [Stagecoach] |
| GB timetable code | SW |
| Superseded by | Stagecoach South Western Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail InterCity |
| Dates | 28 April 1996 to 27 April 2006 (original franchise) 28 April 2006 to 10 November 2007 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | Midland Mainline |
| GB timetable code | ML |
| Run by | Midland Main Line Ltd [National Express] |
| Superseded by | East Midlands Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail InterCity |
| Dates | 28 April 1996 to 21 June 2008 (originally to run until 27 April 2011) |
| Trading as | Gatwick Express |
| GB timetable code | GX |
| Run by | Gatwick Express Ltd [National Express] |
| Superseded by | Southern Railway Ltd |
| Notes | Brand remains within subsequent franchises |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail InterCity |
| Dates | 28 April 1996 to 27 April 2003 (original franchise) 28 April 2003 to 30 April 2005 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | Great North Eastern Railway (to 1 June 2002) GNER (from 2 June 2002) |
| GB timetable code | EC (to 31 May 1997) GR (from 1 June 1997) |
| Run by | Intercity East Coast Ltd [Sea Containers] (to 21 October 1996) Great North Eastern Railway Ltd [Sea Containers] (from 22 October 1996) |
| Superseded by | Great North Eastern Railway Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Network SouthEast |
| Dates | Franchise awarded to Enterprise Rail Limited✖Enterprise Rail was a local management group to start 4 February 1996 but award cancelled before starting resulting in retendering contract 26 May 1996 to 25 May 2011 (original franchise, renegotiated 1998) 26 May 2011 to 25 May 2013 (franchise extension) 26 May 2013 to 13 September 2014 (franchise extension) 14 September 2014 to 8 November 2014 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | LTS Rail (to 1 July 2000) c2c (from 2 July 2000) |
| GB timetable code | LS (to 23 September 2000) CC (from 24 September 2000) |
| Run by | LTS Rail Ltd [Prism Rail]✖Prism Rail was predominantly a management group drawn from the bus industry to take advantage of privatisation opportunities until taken over by National Express from 18 July 2000 (to 2 July 2000) c2c rail Ltd [Prism Rail] (from 3 July 2000) |
| Superseded by | NXET Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Network SouthEast |
| Dates | 26 May 1996 to 25 August 2001 (originally to have run to 24 May 2003, remaining time bought out by New Southern Railway Ltd) |
| Trading as | Connex South Central (until September 1998) Connex (from September 1998) |
| GB timetable code | SC (to 26 September 1998) CX (from 27 September 1998) |
| Run by | Network Southcentral Ltd [Connex] (to 28 September 1996) Connex South Central Ltd [under unified management with Connex SouthEastern as Connex from September 1998] (from 29 September 1996) |
| Superseded by | New Southern Railway Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Network SouthEast |
| Dates | 21 July 1996 to 2 March 2002 (originally to run until 20 July 2003, renegotiated for a longer deal) |
| Trading as | Chiltern Railways |
| GB timetable code | CH |
| Run by | The Chiltern Railway Company Ltd [M40 Trains]✖M40 Trains was owned by the management team, John Laing and 3i until eventually taken over by Arriva from January 2008 |
| Superseded by | The Chiltern Railway Company Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Regional Railways |
| Dates | 13 October 1996 to 13 October 2001 (original franchise end date 12 April 2004, but overtaken by Wales & Borders development) |
| Trading as | Cardiff Railway Co (to summer 1999) Valley Lines (from summer 1999) |
| GB timetable code | CA (to 23 May 1998) VL (from 24 May 1998) |
| Run by | Cardiff Railway Company Ltd [Prism Rail]✖Prism Rail was predominantly a management group drawn from the bus industry to take advantage of privatisation opportunities until taken over by National Express from 18 July 2000 |
| Superseded by | Cardiff Railway Company Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Network SouthEast |
| Dates | 13 October 1996 to 12 October 2001 (original franchise) 13 October 2001 to 27 September 2003 (franchise extension) 28 September 2003 to 1 February 2004 (franchise extension) 2 February 2004 to 3 February 2007 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | Island Line |
| GB timetable code | IL |
| Run by | Island Line Ltd [Stagecoach] |
| Superseded by | Stagecoach South Western Trains Ltd |
| Notes | Brand remains within subsequent franchises |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Network SouthEast |
| Dates | 13 October 1996 to 8 November 2003 (originally to have run to 12 October 2011 but cut short through franchise failure) |
| Trading as | Connex South Eastern (until September 1998) Connex (from September 1998) |
| GB timetable code | SE (to 26 September 1998) CX (from 27 September 1998) |
| Run by | Connex South Eastern Ltd [under unified management with Connex South Central as Connex from September 1998] |
| Superseded by | South Eastern Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Regional Railways |
| Dates | 13 October 1996 to 13 October 2001 (originally to run until 12 April 2004, franchise renegotiated on National Express takeover to create Wales & Borders and Wessex as separate entities) |
| Trading as | South Wales & West (to September 1997) Wales & West (from September 1997) |
| GB timetable code | WW |
| Run by | South Wales & West Railway Ltd [Prism Rail]✖Prism Rail was predominantly a management group drawn from the bus industry to take advantage of privatisation opportunities until taken over by National Express from 18 July 2000 (to 28 September 1997) Wales & West Passenger Trains Ltd [Prism Rail] (from 29 September 1997) |
| Superseded by | Wales & West Passenger Trains Ltd (rebranding started 30 September 2001) Cardiff Railway Company Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Network SouthEast |
| Dates | 13 October 1996 to 31 March 2004 |
| Trading as | Thames Trains |
| GB timetable code | TT |
| Run by | Thames Trains Ltd [Victory Railway Holdings]✖Victory Railway Holdings was jointly owned by the management team and Go-Ahead, taken over completely by Go-Ahead June 1998 |
| Superseded by | First Great Western Link Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail InterCity British Rail Regional Railways |
| Dates | 5 January 1997 to 31 March 2004 |
| Trading as | Anglia Railways |
| GB timetable code | AR |
| Run by | Anglia Railways Train Services Ltd [GB Railways]✖GB Railways was owned by the management team until taken over by First Group from 14 August 2003 |
| Superseded by | London Eastern Railway Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Network SouthEast |
| Dates | 5 January 1997 to 31 March 2004 |
| Trading as | Great Eastern (to autumn 1998) First Great Eastern (from autumn 1998) |
| GB timetable code | GE |
| Run by | Great Eastern Railway Ltd [First Group] |
| Superseded by | London Eastern Railway Ltd |
| Notes | Trading name changed gradually during autumn 1998; the new name appeared in the 27 September 1998 timetable |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail InterCity |
| Dates | 5 January 1997 to 10 November 2007 (originally to run until 4 January 2012) |
| Trading as | Virgin CrossCountry (to 11 June 2005) Virgin Trains (from 12 June 2005) |
| GB timetable code | XC (to 27 September 1997) VT (from 28 September 1997) |
| Run by | CrossCountry Trains Ltd [Virgin Rail Group]✖Virgin Rail Group had Stagecoach involvement in various proportions since 22 June 1998 |
| Superseded by | XC Trains Ltd First/Keolis TransPennine Ltd West Coast Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Network SouthEast |
| Dates | 5 January 1997 to 31 March 2004 (original franchise) 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2006 (franchise extension, Great Northern services only) |
| Trading as | West Anglia Great Northern (to early 2000) WAGN Railway (by May 2000 to 2003) Wagn Railway (by September 2003 to 11 June 2005) Wagn (from 12 June 2005) |
| GB timetable code | WN |
| Run by | West Anglia Great Northern Railway Ltd [Prism Rail]✖Prism Rail was predominantly a management group drawn from the bus industry to take advantage of privatisation opportunities until taken over by National Express from 18 July 2000 |
| Superseded by | London Eastern Railway Ltd (West Anglia services) First Capital Connect Ltd (Great Northern services) |
| Notes | Dates of transitions between early trading names are not known with precision, and indeed may not exist as a single date |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Regional Railways |
| Dates | 19 January 1997 to 19 July 2003 (originally to run until 18 March 2004, franchise renegotiated on Arriva✖Arriva became a subsidiary of DB (Deutsche Bahn, the German state railway) absorbing companies previously taken over by DB Regio takeover) |
| Trading as | Merseyrail Electrics (to 26 April 2001) Arriva Trains Merseyside (from 27 April 2001) |
| GB timetable code | ME (to 29 September 2001) AM (from 30 September 2001) |
| Run by | Merseyrail Electrics Ltd [MTL Trust Holdings]✖MTL was taken over by Arriva from 18 February 2000 (to 19 March 2001) Arriva Trains Merseyside Ltd✖Arriva became a subsidiary of DB (Deutsche Bahn, the German state railway) absorbing companies previously taken over by DB Regio (from 20 March 2001) |
| Superseded by | Merseyrail Electrics 2002 Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Network SouthEast |
| Dates | 2 March 1997 to 1 April 2004 (original franchise) 2 April 2004 to 31 March 2006 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | Thameslink |
| GB timetable code | TL |
| Run by | Thameslink Rail Ltd [Govia]✖Govia is a partnership between Go-Ahead and VIA GTI (later known as Keolis), the latter predominantly owned by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer, the French state railway) |
| Superseded by | First Capital Connect Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Regional Railways |
| Dates | 2 March 1997 to 13 October 2001 (Welsh services) (original franchise end date 31 March 2004) 2 March 1997 to 31 March 2004 (remaining services) 1 April 2004 to 10 November 2007 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | Central Trains |
| GB timetable code | CT |
| Run by | Central Trains Ltd [National Express] |
| Superseded by | Cardiff Railway Company Ltd (Welsh services) East Midlands Trains Ltd London & Birmingham Railway Ltd XC Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Network SouthEast |
| Dates | 2 March 1997 to 1 September 2004 (original franchise) 2 September 2004 to 10 November 2007 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | North London Railways (to 28 September 1997) Silverlink Train Services (from 29 September 1997) |
| GB timetable code | NL (to 28 September 1997) SS (from 29 September 1997) |
| Run by | North London Railways Ltd [National Express] (to 25 September 1997) Silverlink Train Services Ltd [National Express] (from 26 September 1997) |
| Superseded by | London & Birmingham Railway Ltd London Overground Rail Operations Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Regional Railways |
| Dates | 2 March 1997 to 27 September 2003 (Welsh services) 2 March 1997 to 31 January 2004 (TransPennine services) 2 March 1997 to 1 April 2004 (remainder of original franchise) 2 April 2004 to 11 December 2004 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | North Western Trains (to autumn 1998) First North Western (from autumn 1998) |
| GB timetable code | NW |
| Run by | North West Regional Railways Ltd [Great Western Holdings]✖Great Western Holdings was jointly owned by the management team, 3i and First Group, taken over completely by First Group from 6 March 1998 (to 31 May 1997) North Western Trains Company Ltd [Great Western Holdings] (from 1 June 1997) |
| Superseded by | Cardiff Railway Company Ltd (Welsh services) First/Keolis TransPennine Ltd (TransPennine services) Northern Rail Ltd (remaining services) |
| Notes | Trading name changed gradually during autumn 1998; the new name appeared in the 27 September 1998 timetable |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Regional Railways |
| Dates | 2 March 1997 to 31 January 2004 (TransPennine services) (originally to run until 1 April 2004, franchise renegotiated on Arriva takeover) 2 March 1997 to 11 December 2004 (remaining services) (originally to run until 1 April 2004, franchise renegotiated on Arriva takeover) |
| Trading as | Regional Railways North East (to 24 May 1998) Northern Spirit (from 25 May 1998 to 26 April 2001) Arriva Trains Northern (from 27 April 2001) |
| GB timetable code | RE (to 24 May 1998) NS (from 25 May 1998 to 29 September 2001) AN (from 30 September 2001) |
| Run by | Regional Railways North East Ltd [MTL Trust Holdings]✖MTL was taken over by Arriva from 18 February 2000 (to 16 June 1998) Northern Spirit Ltd [MTL] (from 17 June 1998 to 26 April 2001) Arriva Trains Northern Ltd✖Arriva became a subsidiary of DB (Deutsche Bahn, the German state railway) absorbing companies previously taken over by DB Regio (from 27 April 2001) |
| Superseded by | First/Keolis TransPennine Ltd (TransPennine services) Northern Rail Ltd (remaining services) |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail InterCity CrossCountry Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 9 March 1997 to 31 March 2012 (original franchise; absorbed some CrossCountry west coast main line services 11 November 2007) 1 April 2012 to 8 December 2012 (franchise extension) 9 December 2012 to 9 November 2014 (franchise extension) 10 November 2014 to 31 March 2017 (franchise extension) 1 April 2017 to xx September 2017 (franchise extension) xx September 2017 to 31 March 2018 (franchise extension) 1 April 2018 to 7 December 2019 (franchise extension) (originally to run to 31 March 2019; extension option to 31 March 2020 taken then cut back) |
| Trading as | Virgin West Coast (to 11 June 2005) Virgin Trains (from 12 June 2005) |
| GB timetable code | WC (to 27 September 1997) VT (from 28 September 1997) |
| Run by | West Coast Trains Ltd [Virgin Rail Group]✖Virgin Rail Group had Stagecoach involvement in various proportions since 22 June 1998 |
| Superseded by | First Trenitalia West Coast Rail Ltd |
| Notes | Franchise awarded to First West Coast Ltd to start 9 December 2012 but award cancelled before starting resulting in further extension to this franchise |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | British Rail Regional Railways British Rail InterCity (sleeper services) |
| Dates | 31 March 1997 to 16 October 2004 |
| Trading as | ScotRail |
| GB timetable code | SR |
| Run by | ScotRail Railways Ltd [National Express] |
| Superseded by | First ScotRail Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Connex South Central Ltd |
| Dates | 26 August 2001 to 21 June 2008 (originally to have started on 25 May 2003; started early through buying out Connex South Central) |
| Trading as | South Central (to 29 May 2004) Southern (from 30 May 2004) |
| GB timetable code | SN (to 1 June 2002) SC (from 1 June 2002 to 29 May 2004) SN (from 30 May 2004) |
| Run by | New Southern Railway Ltd [Govia]✖Govia is a partnership between Go-Ahead and VIA GTI (later known as Keolis), the latter predominantly owned by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer, the French state railway) (to 27 May 2004) South Central Ltd [Govia] (from 28 May 2004) |
| Superseded by | Southern Railway Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Cardiff Railway Company Ltd Central Trains Ltd North Western Trains Company Ltd Wales & West Passenger Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 14 October 2001 to 6 December 2003 (absorbed some North Western Trains Company services 28 September 2003) |
| Trading as | Wales & Borders Trains |
| GB timetable code | WB |
| Run by | Cardiff Railway Company Ltd [National Express] |
| Superseded by | Arriva Trains Wales Ltd/Trenau Arriva Cymru |
| Notes | Technically not a separate franchise but a reorganisation and rebranding, merging part of the existing Wales & West franchise into Cardiff Railway Co, preparatory to reletting as Wales & Borders |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Wales & West Passenger Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 14 October 2001 to 31 March 2006 (rebranding started 30 September 2001) |
| Trading as | Wessex Trains |
| GB timetable code | WE |
| Run by | Wales & West Passenger Trains Ltd [National Express] |
| Superseded by | First Greater Western Ltd |
| Notes | Technically not a separate franchise but a reorganisation and rebranding of part of the existing Wales & West franchise |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | The Chiltern Railway Company Ltd First Greater Western Ltd First Great Western Link Ltd |
| Dates | 3 March 2002 to 30 December 2021 (absorbed Stratford-on-Avon service from First Great Western Link 12 December 2004; absorbed Bicester service from First Greater Western 22 May 2011) ¶; ♦ to 30 December 2021 |
| Trading as | Chiltern Railways |
| GB timetable code | CH |
| Run by | The Chiltern Railway Company Ltd [M40 Trains]✖M40 Trains was owned by the management team, John Laing and 3i until eventually taken over by Arriva from January 2008 |
| Superseded by | The Chiltern Railway Company Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Dates | 31 March 2002 to 31 March 2010 |
| Trading as | Metro |
| GB timetable code | TW † |
| Run by | Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive (branded Nexus) [local authorities] |
| Superseded by | DB Regio Tyne And Wear Ltd |
| Notes | Not a 'national' operator nor franchise, but does access national network track around Sunderland/Pelaw; date is from start of Sunderland service See the light rail page for full details |
| Franchise | Merseyrail |
| Preceded by | Arriva Trains Merseyside Ltd |
| Dates | 20 July 2003 to 19 July 2028 (five year extension possible at Merseytravel discretion) |
| Trading as | Merseyrail |
| GB timetable code | ME |
| Run by | Merseyrail Electrics 2002 Ltd [Serco/NedRailways✖NedRailways became Abellio in October 2009, ultimately part of NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the Dutch state railway) [taken over by Transport UK Group Ltd 28 February 2023]] |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Connex South Eastern Ltd |
| Dates | 9 November 2003 to 31 March 2006 |
| Trading as | South Eastern Trains |
| GB timetable code | SE |
| Run by | South Eastern Trains Ltd [Strategic Rail Authority] |
| Superseded by | London & South Eastern Railway Ltd |
| Notes | Operator of last resort between taking over from previous incumbent and reletting contract |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Cardiff Railway Company Ltd |
| Dates | 7 December 2003 to 13 October 2018 |
| Trading as | Arriva Trains Wales/Trenau Arriva Cymru |
| GB timetable code | AW ATW (erroneously given in 17 May 2015 to 12 December 2015 timetable only) |
| Run by | Arriva Trains Wales Ltd/Trenau Arriva Cymru✖Arriva became a subsidiary of DB (Deutsche Bahn, the German state railway) absorbing companies previously taken over by DB Regio |
| Superseded by | Keolis Amey Operations/Gweithrediadau Keolis Amey Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Arriva Trains Northern Ltd CrossCountry Trains Ltd North Western Trains Company Ltd |
| Dates | 1 February 2004 to 31 January 2012 (original franchise) 1 February 2012 to 31 March 2015 (franchise extension) 1 April 2015 to 18? February 2016 (franchise extension) 19? February 2016 to 31 March 2016 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | First TransPennine Express |
| GB timetable code | TP |
| Run by | First/Keolis TransPennine Ltd✖Keolis is predominantly owned by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer, the French state railway) |
| Superseded by | Arriva Rail North Ltd (Manchester Airport-Blackpool/Windermere/Barrow) First Transpennine Express Ltd (remaining services) |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Anglia Railways Train Services Ltd Great Eastern Railway Ltd West Anglia Great Northern Railway Ltd |
| Dates | 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2011 (original franchise; option to 2014 not exercised) 1 April 2011 to 31 October 2011 (franchise extension) 1 November 2011 to 4 February 2012 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | 'one' (to 26 February 2008) National Express East Anglia (from 27 February 2008) |
| GB timetable code | LE SX † (Stansted Express-branded services) |
| Run by | London Eastern Railway Ltd [National Express] |
| Superseded by | Abellio Greater Anglia Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Thames Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 1 April 2004 to 11 December 2004 (Stratford-upon-Avon service) 1 April 2004 to 31 March 2006 (remaining services) |
| Trading as | First Great Western Link |
| GB timetable code | TT (to 22 May 2004) GL (from 23 May 2004) |
| Run by | First Great Western Link Ltd |
| Superseded by | The Chiltern Railway Company Ltd (Stratford-upon-Avon service) First Greater Western Ltd (remaining services) |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | ScotRail Railways Ltd |
| Dates | 17 October 2004 to 15 October 2011 (original franchise) 16 October 2011 to 9 November 2014 (franchise extension) 10 November 2014 to 31 March 2015 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | First ScotRail (to 7 December 2008) ScotRail (from 8 December 2008) |
| GB timetable code | SR |
| Run by | First ScotRail Ltd |
| Superseded by | Abellio ScotRail Ltd Serco Caledonian Sleepers Ltd |
| Notes | ScotRail brand launched by Scottish government 22 September 2008 but not applied by TOC until 8 December 2008 |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Arriva Trains Northern Ltd North Western Trains Company Ltd |
| Dates | 12 December 2004 to 14 September 2013 (original franchise) 15 September 2013 to 31 March 2014 (franchise extension) 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2016 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | Northern Rail (sometimes also branded Northern) |
| GB timetable code | NT |
| Run by | Northern Rail Ltd [Serco/NedRailways]✖NedRailways became Abellio in October 2009, ultimately part of NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the Dutch state railway) |
| Superseded by | Arriva Rail North Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Great North Eastern Railway Ltd |
| Dates | 1 May 2005 to 8 December 2007 (originally to run until 31 March 2015 but cut short through collapse of owning group) |
| Trading as | GNER |
| GB timetable code | GR |
| Run by | Great North Eastern Railway Ltd [Sea Containers] |
| Superseded by | NXEC Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | First Great Western Link Ltd Great Western Trains Company Ltd Heathrow Express Operating Company Ltd Wales & West Passenger Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2013 (original franchise; option to 31 March 2016 not exercised) 1 April 2006 to 21 May 2011 (original franchise Oxford-Bicester service) 1 April 2013 to 29 April 2013 (franchise extension) 30 April 2013 to 21 July 2013 (franchise extension) 22 July 2013 to 12 October 2013 (franchise extension) 13 October 2013 to 19 September 2015 (franchise extension) 20 September 2015 to 19 May 2018 (franchise extension, Paddington-Hayes & Harlington service) 20 September 2015 to 15 December 2019 (franchise extension, Paddington-Reading service) 20 September 2015 to 31 March 2020 (franchise extension, remaining services) (originally to run to 31 March 2019; one year extension option taken) (took over operation of Heathrow Express service 1 November 2018) 1 April 2020 to 25 June 2022 (franchise extension) ¶ (EMA progressively extended to May 2022) |
| Trading as | First Great Western (to 19 September 2015) Great Western Railway (from 20 September 2015) |
| GB timetable code | GW GWR (erroneously given in 11 December 2016 to 20 May 2017 timetable only) |
| Run by | First Greater Western Ltd |
| Superseded by | The Chiltern Railway Company Ltd (Oxford-Bicester service) MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Ltd (Paddington-Hayes & Harlington service and Paddington-Reading service) First Greater Western Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | South Eastern Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 1 April 2006 to 13 December 2008 (original franchise; Redhill-Tonbridge service) 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2014 (original franchise; remaining services) 1 April 2014 to 11 October 2014 (franchise extension) 12 October 2014 to 13 December 2014 (franchise extension, small number of services) 12 October 2014 to 23 June 2018 (franchise extension, remaining services) 24 June 2018 to 5 January 2019 (franchise extension) 6 January 2019 to 22 June 2019 (franchise extension) (originally to run to 31 March 2019; three period extension option taken) 23 June 2019 to 31 March 2020 (franchise extension) (originally to run to 10 November 2019; extension option taken) 1 April 2020 to 16 October 2021 (franchise extension; extension to March 2022 not taken) ¶ (EMA extended to 16 October 2021; option to extend to March 2022 not taken) |
| Trading as | Southeastern |
| GB timetable code | SE |
| Run by | London & South Eastern Railway Ltd [Govia]✖Govia is a partnership between Go-Ahead and VIA GTI (later known as Keolis), the latter predominantly owned by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer, the French state railway) |
| Superseded by | Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd (small number of services) Southern Railway Ltd (Redhill-Tonbridge service) SE Trains Ltd (remaining services) |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Thameslink Rail Ltd West Anglia Great Northern Railway Ltd |
| Dates | 1 April 2006 to 14 September 2013 (original franchise) 15 September 2013 to 31 March 2014 (franchise extension) 1 April 2014 to 13 September 2014 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | First Capital Connect |
| GB timetable code | FC |
| Run by | First Capital Connect Ltd |
| Superseded by | Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Island Line Ltd South West Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 4 February 2007 to xx January 2015 (original franchise) xx January 2015 to 4 February 2017 (franchise extension) 5 February 2017 to 24 June 2017 (franchise extension; earlier extension to 27 April 2019 cancelled) 25 June 2017 to 19 August 2017 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | South West Trains |
| GB timetable code | SW IL (Island Line-branded services) |
| Run by | Stagecoach South Western Trains Ltd |
| Superseded by | First MTR South Western Trains Ltd |
| Notes | Island Line brand remains within subsequent franchises |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Central Trains Ltd Midland Main Line Ltd |
| Dates | 11 November 2007 to 31 March 2015 (original franchise) 1 April 2015 to 17 October 2015 (franchise extension) 18 October 2015 to 2 March 2018 (franchise extension) 3 March 2018 to 3 March 2019 (franchise extension) 4 March 2019 to 17 August 2019 (franchise extension; option for further six reporting periods not taken) |
| Trading as | East Midlands Trains |
| GB timetable code | EM |
| Run by | East Midlands Trains Ltd [Stagecoach] (used the name Stagecoach Midland Rail Ltd during the bidding process) |
| Superseded by | Abellio East Midlands Ltd |
| Notes | Supposed to absorb Barton-on-Humber service from Arriva Rail North on 15 October 2017, rescheduled to 4 March 2018, but this was delayed until after the 2019 refranchise |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Abellio Greater Anglia Ltd Silverlink Train Services Ltd |
| Dates | 11 November 2007 to 12 November 2016 (originally to run to 8 November 2014; two year extension option taken) (absorbed inner suburban West Anglia services (Liverpool Street-Enfield Town/Cheshunt/Chingford and Romford-Upminster) 31 May 2015) |
| Trading as | London Overground |
| GB timetable code | LO |
| Run by | London Overground Rail Operations Ltd [MTR Corporation✖MTR Corporation runs Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway amongst other activities/Laing Rail (latter later acquired by Arriva✖Arriva became a subsidiary of DB (Deutsche Bahn, the German state railway) absorbing companies previously taken over by DB Regio)] on behalf of Rail for London (subsidiary of Transport for London) |
| Superseded by | Arriva Rail London Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Central Trains Ltd CrossCountry Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 11 November 2007 to 31 March 2016 (original franchise) 1 April 2016 to 15 October 2016 (franchise extension) 16 October 2016 to 12 October 2019 (franchise extension) 13 October 2019 to 17 October 2020 (franchise extension; originally to October 2024 but break point exercised) ¶ |
| Trading as | CrossCountry |
| GB timetable code | XC |
| Run by | XC Trains Ltd [Arriva]✖Arriva became a subsidiary of DB (Deutsche Bahn, the German state railway) absorbing companies previously taken over by DB Regio |
| Superseded by | XC Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Central Trains Ltd Silverlink Train Services Ltd |
| Dates | 11 November 2007 to 19 September 2015 (original franchise) 20 September 2015 to 31 March 2016 (franchise extension) 1 April 2016 to 14 October 2017 (franchise extension; originally to 30? June 2017) 15 October 2017 to 9 December 2017 (franchise extension; option to extend further to 3 February 2018 not taken) |
| Trading as | London Midland |
| GB timetable code | LM |
| Run by | London & Birmingham Railway Ltd [Govia]✖Govia is a partnership between Go-Ahead and VIA GTI (later known as Keolis), the latter predominantly owned by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer, the French state railway) |
| Superseded by | West Midlands Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Great North Eastern Railway Ltd |
| Dates | 9 December 2007 to 13 November 2009 (originally to run until 31 March 2015 but cut short through franchise failure) |
| Trading as | National Express East Coast |
| GB timetable code | GR |
| Run by | NXEC Trains Ltd [National Express] |
| Superseded by | East Coast Main Line Company Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Gatwick Express Ltd London & South Eastern Railway Ltd South Central Ltd |
| Dates | 22 June 2008 to 19 September 2009 (absorbed Redhill-Tonbridge service from Southeastern 14 December 2008) |
| Trading as | New Southern Railway |
| GB timetable code | GX (Gatwick Express-branded services) SN (Southern-branded services) |
| Run by | Southern Railway Ltd [Govia]✖Govia is a partnership between Go-Ahead and VIA GTI (later known as Keolis), the latter predominantly owned by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer, the French state railway) |
| Superseded by | Southern Railway Ltd |
| Notes | Brands remain within subsequent franchises |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Southern Railway Ltd |
| Dates | 20 September 2009 to 25 July 2015 (option to July 2017 not exercised) |
| Trading as | Southern |
| GB timetable code | GX (Gatwick Express-branded services) SN (Southern-branded services) |
| Run by | Southern Railway Ltd [Govia]✖Govia is a partnership between Go-Ahead and VIA GTI (later known as Keolis), the latter predominantly owned by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer, the French state railway) |
| Superseded by | Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd |
| Notes | Brands remain within subsequent franchises |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | NXEC Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 14 November 2009 to 8 December 2013 (original franchise) 9 December 2013 to 28 February 2015 (franchise extension) |
| Trading as | East Coast |
| GB timetable code | GR |
| Run by | East Coast Main Line Company Ltd [Directly Operated Railways]✖Directly Operated Railways was an operator of last resort reporting to the Secretary of State for Transport |
| Superseded by | East Coast Main Line Company Ltd |
| Notes | Operator of last resort between taking over from previous incumbent and reletting contract |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive |
| Dates | 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2017 |
| Trading as | Metro |
| GB timetable code | TW † |
| Run by | DB Regio Tyne And Wear Ltd✖DB Regio is a subsidiary of DB (Deutsche Bahn, the German state railway) |
| Superseded by | Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive |
| Notes | Not a 'national' operator, but does access national network track around Sunderland/Pelaw Operated under contract with Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive (branded Nexus) on behalf of the North East Combined Authority See the light rail page for full details |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | London Eastern Railway Ltd |
| Dates | 5 February 2012 to 19 July 2014 (original franchise) 20 July 2014 to 30 May 2015 (franchise extension, inner suburban West Anglia and Great Eastern services) 20 July 2014 to 15 October 2016 (franchise extension, remaining services) |
| Trading as | Greater Anglia (to 17 May 2014) Abellio Greater Anglia (from 18 May 2014) |
| GB timetable code | LE SX † (Stansted Express-branded services) |
| Run by | Abellio Greater Anglia Ltd✖Abellio is ultimately part of NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the Dutch state railway) |
| Superseded by | London Overground Rail Operations Ltd (inner suburban West Anglia services (Liverpool Street-Enfield Town/Cheshunt/Chingford and Romford-Upminster)) MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Ltd (inner suburban Great Eastern services (Liverpool Street-Shenfield local)) Abellio East Anglia Ltd (remaining services) |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | (West Coast Trains Ltd) |
| Dates | 9 December 2012 to 31 March 2026 (option to extend to 31 December 2027) |
| Trading as | First West Coast |
| GB timetable code | none |
| Run by | First West Coast Ltd |
| Superseded by | (West Coast Trains Ltd) |
| Notes | Franchise never came into force; details given here are the original plan Franchise award was cancelled on 3 October 2012 resulting in a further extension to West Coast Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | First Capital Connect Ltd London & South Eastern Railway Ltd Southern Railway Ltd |
| Dates | 14 September 2014 to 18 September 2021 (absorbed small number of Southeastern services 14 December 2014; absorbed Southern 26 July 2015, absorbed further Southeastern services June 2018) ¶; ♦ progressively extended to 31 March 2022 |
| Trading as | Gatwick Express Great Northern Southern Thameslink; ThamesLink/ |
| GB timetable code | GN (Great Northern-branded services) GX (Gatwick Express-branded services) SN (Southern-branded services) TL (Thameslink-branded services; some online timetables briefly applied this code to all services in error) ZZ (used in error in December 2018 timetable for one Thameslink train shown on tables 25 and 185) ZZ (used in error in May 2019 timetable for numerous table 25, 179, 184, 188, 200 and 201 Thameslink trains and one table 170 Southern train) ZZ (used in error in December 2019 timetable for one Thameslink train shown on table 179) |
| Run by | Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd✖Govia is a partnership between Go-Ahead and VIA GTI (later known as Keolis), the latter predominantly owned by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer, the French state railway) |
| Superseded by | Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | c2c rail Ltd |
| Dates | 9 November 2014 to 24 July 2021 ¶; ♦ to 24 July 2021 Original contract to 10 November 2029 (with extension up to 28 weeks at DfT discretion) Transitioned to National Rail contract |
| Trading as | c2c |
| GB timetable code | CC |
| Run by | NXET Trains Ltd [National Express; taken over by Trenitalia UK✖Trenitalia is a subsidiary of FS (Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, the Italian state railway) 13 February 2017] (to 2 April 2017) Trenitalia c2c Ltd (from 3 April 2017) |
| Superseded by | Trenitalia c2c Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | East Coast Main Line Company Ltd |
| Dates | 1 March 2015 to 23 June 2018 (originally to have run to 31 March 2023 with option of a further year, cut back to 31 March 2020 through franchise failure then terminated early) |
| Trading as | Virgin Trains East Coast |
| GB timetable code | GR |
| Run by | East Coast Main Line Company Ltd [Inter City Railways (Stagecoach/Virgin)]✖Inter City Railways was a joint venture between Stagecoach (90%) and Virgin Holdings (10%) |
| Superseded by | London North Eastern Railway Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | First ScotRail Ltd |
| Dates | 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022 (originally to run to 31 March 2025 but contract break point exercised) § (EMA progressively extended to 31 March 2022) |
| Trading as | ScotRail |
| GB timetable code | SR QC † (used in some internal systems for shipping services only) |
| Run by | Abellio ScotRail Ltd✖Abellio is ultimately part of NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the Dutch state railway) |
| Superseded by | ScotRail Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | First ScotRail Ltd |
| Dates | 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022 § (EMA progressively extended to 31 March 2022; original contract was to 31 March 2030) |
| Trading as | Caledonian Sleeper |
| GB timetable code | CS |
| Run by | Serco Caledonian Sleepers Ltd |
| Superseded by | Serco Caledonian Sleepers Ltd |
| Franchise | Crossrail |
| Preceded by | Abellio Greater Anglia Ltd First Greater Western Ltd Heathrow Connect |
| Dates | 31 May 2015 to 24 May 2025 (extension from 27 May 2023 granted; full extension to 6 December 2025 not expected) (absorbed Paddington-Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Connect services 20 May 2018; absorbed Paddington-Reading local service from First Greater Western 15 December 2019) |
| Trading as | TfL Rail (to 23 May 2022) Elizabeth line (from 24 May 2022 but rebranding started early May) MTR Elizabeth line (from 30 September 2019) (used for corporate information, e.g. website) |
| GB timetable code | XR |
| Run by | MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Ltd✖MTR Corporation runs Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway amongst other activities |
| Notes | Concession started with just Liverpool Street-Shenfield service, later taking Paddington-based services and tunnel across London in stages Ran some Paddington-Reading (and vice versa) services on First Greater Western's behalf from 25 November 2019 until the 15 December 2019 timetable change when all such services were run in its own right |
| Superseded by | contract not awarded yet |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | First/Keolis TransPennine Ltd |
| Dates | 1 April 2016 to 29 May 2021 ¶; ♦ (original contract to run to 31 March 2023 (extensions up to 26 reporting periods possible at DfT discretion); ERMA originally to run to 31 March 2021, progressively extended to 19 September 2021 then cut short to 29 May 2021). Transitioned to National Rail contract |
| Trading as | TransPennine Express |
| GB timetable code | TP |
| Run by | First Transpennine Express Ltd |
| Superseded by | First Transpennine Express Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | First/Keolis TransPennine Ltd Northern Rail Ltd |
| Dates | 1 April 2016 to 29 February 2020 (originally to run to 31 March 2025 with option to extend by one year but terminated early) |
| Trading as | Northern |
| GB timetable code | NT ZZ (used in error in May 2021 timetable for one train shown on table 39) |
| Run by | Arriva Rail North Ltd✖Arriva became a subsidiary of DB (Deutsche Bahn, the German state railway) absorbing companies previously taken over by DB Regio |
| Notes | Supposed to surrender Barton-on-Humber service to East Midlands Trains on 15 October 2017, rescheduled to 4 March 2018, but this was delayed until after the 2019 East Midlands refranchise |
| Superseded by | Northern Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Abellio Greater Anglia Ltd |
| Dates | 16 October 2016 to 18 September 2021 ¶; ♦ (original contract to run to 11 October 2025 (extensions possible to 17 October 2026 at DfT discretion)). Transitioned to National Rail Contract |
| Trading as | Greater Anglia |
| GB timetable code | LE SX (Stansted Express-branded services) |
| Run by | Abellio East Anglia Ltd✖Abellio is ultimately part of NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the Dutch state railway) |
| Superseded by | Abellio East Anglia Ltd |
| Franchise | London Overground |
| Preceded by | London Overground Rail Operations Ltd |
| Dates | 13 November 2016 to 2 May 2026 (extension option from 27 April 2024 taken; extensions to 14 November 2026 at TfL discretion) |
| Trading as | London Overground |
| GB timetable code | LO |
| Run by | Arriva Rail London Ltd✖Arriva became a subsidiary of DB (Deutsche Bahn, the German state railway) absorbing companies previously taken over by DB Regio; from 3 June 2024 it passed to I Squared |
| Notes | Expected to absorb Stratford-Meridian Water service from Abellio East Anglia |
| Franchise | Tyne & Wear Metro |
| Preceded by | DB Regio Tyne And Wear Ltd |
| Dates | 1 April 2017 to date (originally run for two years, now extended indefinitely) |
| Trading as | Metro |
| GB timetable code | TW † |
| Run by | Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive (branded Nexus) [local authorities] |
| Notes | Not a 'national' operator nor franchise, but does access national network track around Sunderland/Pelaw See the light rail page for full details |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Stagecoach South Western Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 20 August 2017 to 29 May 2021 ¶; ♦ to 29 May 2021 (original contract to run to 17 August 2024 (11 month extension possible); ERMA originally to run to 31 March 2021, extension option taken). Transitioned to National Rail Contract |
| Trading as | South Western Railway |
| GB timetable code | SW IL (Island Line-branded services) |
| Run by | First MTR South Western Trains Ltd [First/MTR Corporation]✖MTR Corporation runs Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway amongst other activities |
| Superseded by | First MTR South Western Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | London & Birmingham Railway Ltd |
| Dates | 10 December 2017 to 18 September 2021 ¶; ♦ (original contract to run to 31 March 2026 (two year extension possible at DfT discretion)). Transitioned to National Rail Contract |
| Trading as | West Midlands Railway [Birmingham area services] London Northwestern Railway [West Coast Main Line services] |
| GB timetable code | LM (Network Rail and internal system use and ATOC use for station operation and timetable search) LN † (ATOC use only for train operator list; London Northwestern Railway-branded services) WM † (ATOC use only for train operator list; West Midlands Railway-branded services) |
| Run by | West Midlands Trains Ltd [Abellio✖Abellio is ultimately part of NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the Dutch state railway)/East Japan Railway Company/Mitsui & Co] |
| Superseded by | West Midlands Trains Ltd |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | Arriva Trains Wales Ltd/Trenau Arriva Cymru |
| Dates | 14 October 2018 to 6 February 2021 (originally to run to 15 October 2033 with option to extend to 12 October 2035 but terminated early) ¶ |
| Trading as | Transport for Wales Rail Services |
| GB timetable code | AW ZZ (used in error in December 2018 timetable for some Liverpool-Chester services shown in tables 81, 89 and 91) |
| Run by | Keolis Amey Operations/Gweithrediadau Keolis Amey Ltd |
| Superseded by | Transport for Wales Rail Ltd |
| Notes | The partners set up three companies for this contract with varying shareholding proportions. The others are Keolis Amey Wales Cymru Limited (construction/project management functions) and Amey Keolis Infrastructure/Seilwaith Amey Keolis Limited (network operation). The latter pair are unaffected by loss of the operating contract |
| Franchise | |
| Dates | 25 October 2018 to 21 March 2024 |
| Trading as | Stagecoach Supertram |
| GB timetable code | SJ † |
| Run by | South Yorkshire Supertram Ltd [Stagecoach] |
| Superseded by | South Yorkshire Future Trams Ltd |
| Notes | Not a 'national' operator nor franchise, but does access national network around Tinsley/Rotherham; date is from start of public Rotherham service (test running started earlier) See the light rail page for full details |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | East Midlands Trains Ltd Northern Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 18 August 2019 to 15 October 2022 (originally to 21 August 2027 with two year extension possible at DfT discretion) ¶; ♦ to 15 October 2022 with six month extension not taken (absorbed Barton-on-Humber service from Northern Trains Ltd 16 May 2021) |
| Trading as | East Midlands Railway |
| GB timetable code | EM |
| Run by | Abellio East Midlands Ltd✖Abellio is ultimately part of NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the Dutch state railway) |
| Superseded by | Abellio East Midlands Ltd |
| Notes | Originally to surrender Liverpool-Nottingham to another (unspecified) franchise; plan cancelled August 2020 |
| Franchise | |
| Preceded by | West Coast Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 8 December 2019 to 31 March 2031 ¶; ♦ to 15 October 2022 16 October 2022 to 31 March 2023 (ERMA extension) 1 April 2023 to 14 October 2023 (further ERMA extension) Planned to transition to National Rail contract |
| Trading as | Avanti West Coast |
| GB timetable code | VT |
| Run by | First Trenitalia West Coast Rail Ltd✖Trenitalia is a subsidiary of FS (Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, the Italian state railway) |
| Superseded by | First Trenitalia West Coast Rail Ltd |
| Notes | Initially a conventional franchise running the West Coast Main Line services, the agreement would have transformed into a management contract as the operator gradually introduced High Speed 2 services from March 2026 |
Some of the companies below are current non-passenger (or freight) operators and others have not started any operations yet. Some do not run trains but do operate stations. In all cases, this table shows only those companies that appear(ed), or are expected to appear, in the GB timetable.
| Company | |
|---|---|
| Dates | proposal abandoned |
| Trading as | Grand Southern Railway |
| GB timetable code | AR (from 10 December 2017 to 14 December 2019) |
| Notes | Intended to start operating regular passenger services December 2017 but regulatory approval declined after much consideration on 1 August 2018 Track access rights requested to 'Principal Change Date' December 2024 Part of Alliance Rail✖Alliance Rail's majority shareholder is Arriva |
| Company | |
| Dates | 1 April 1994 to date |
| GB timetable code | EU † |
| Notes | BR subsidiary; separate legal entity from July 1996; to private sector 22 November 1997 Believed code only used from late 2010s Code only used for Channel Tunnel intermodal trains |
| Company | Devon And Cornwall Railways Ltd |
| Dates | May 2011 to date |
| GB timetable code | DC (from 22 May 2011 to 13 December 2014) |
| Notes | Expected to operate regular passenger services 2010-2014 but never did Track access rights progressively extended to 6 August 2026 (for freight; passenger details not fully determined) Ultimate ownership Iowa Pacific [USA] (to 16 November 2017), Cappagh Contractors (from 17 November 2017) |
| Company | East Coast Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 25 October 2021 to date (press launch 21 October 2021) |
| Trading as | Lumo |
| GB timetable code | LD |
| Notes | Track access rights to 'Subsidiary Change Date' May 2031 Subsidiary of First Group |
| Company | |
| Dates | 14 November 1994 to date |
| GB timetable code | EP (to 23 September 2000) ES (from 24 September 2000) |
| Notes | Ultimate ownership of UK element of Eurostar operation transferred from BR to private sector 1 April 1996, to HM Government 6 June 2009 and to private sector again 28 May 2015. The remaining share is owned by Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer [France] and Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Belges [Belgium] Eurostar chose not to appear in GB/National timetable from December 2006 timetable (so code was not used therein but did appear in May 2019 table 192 for services that call at Ashford) Track access rights on Network Rail infrastructure run to December 2024 timetable change |
| Company | |
| Dates | 5 September 1994 to date |
| GB timetable code | XP † |
| Company | Grand Central Railway Company Ltd |
| Dates | 18 December 2007 to date |
| GB timetable code | GC |
| Notes | Track access rights to 'Principal Change Date' December 2027 Initially controlled by Fraser Eagle Group; ultimately acquired 1 December 2011 by Arriva✖Arriva became a subsidiary of DB (Deutsche Bahn, the German state railway) absorbing companies previously taken over by DB Regio; from 3 June 2024 it passed to I Squared |
| Company | Grand Union Trains Ltd |
| Dates | planned |
| GB timetable code | LF |
| Notes | Initial track access rights run June 2025 to June 2030 |
| Company | Grand Union Trains No.2 Ltd |
| Dates | planned |
| GB timetable code | LF |
| Notes | Initial track access rights run December 2028 to December 2037 |
| Company | |
| Dates | proposal abandoned; originally planned from 2019 |
| GB timetable code | LN † |
| Notes | Controlled by Alliance Rail✖Alliance Rail's majority shareholder is Arriva Original application was from 9 January 2017 to 'Principal Change Date' December 2027; rights expired through inaction before service started so application resubmitted with new approval dates. New track access rights 8 December 2019 to 'Subsidiary Change Date' May 2028 Rights transferred to Grand Central Railway Company Ltd (operating on Great North Western's behalf) with a view to starting operations by 2020; ultimately plans dropped shortly before service started |
| Company | |
| Dates | 12 June 2005 to 19 May 2018 |
| Trading as | Heathrow Connect |
| GB timetable code | GL (to 10 December 2005) HC (from 11 December 2005 to 19 May 2018) |
| Notes | Connect service was a joint venture. The mainline TOC was responsible for the Paddington-Hayes & Harlington element with Heathrow Express Operating Company Ltd responsible thence to the Heathrow stations Absorbed into MTR Corporation (Crossrail) Ltd |
| Company | Heathrow Express Operating Company Ltd |
| Dates | 19 January 1998 to 22 June 1998 (as Fast Train) 23 June 1998 to 31 October 2018 (after relaunch as Heathrow Express) |
| GB timetable code | HX |
| Notes | Track access rights periodically extended to June 2028. Service provided by First Greater Western Ltd under contract from 1 November 2018 for ten years (fares, marketing, etc. remain with Heathrow Express company) Owned by HAA (later Heathrow Airport Holdings) As this company entered into contracts with British Rail before privatisation certain conditions are outside of the normal regulatory system |
| Company | Hull Trains Company Ltd |
| Dates | 25 September 2000 to date |
| Trading as | Hull Trains (to July 2008) First Hull Trains (from July 2008 to May 2015) Hull Trains (from May 2015) |
| GB timetable code | HT |
| Notes | Track access rights progressively extended to 'Principal Change Date' December 2032 Initially controlled by GB Railways✖GB Railways was owned by the management team until taken over by First Group from 14 August 2003 and Renaissance Railways; control acquired by First Group 14 August 2003 Operation managed by TransPennine Express from 16 January 2011 |
| Company | |
| GB timetable code | EC |
| Company | Legge Infrastructure Services Ltd |
| Dates | 2018 to date |
| GB timetable code | LG † |
| Notes | Company has its own track access contract from 14 May 2018, periodically extended to 6 July 2028 and bids for timetable paths but actual train operation is provided by others |
| Company | Locomotive Services (TOC) Ltd |
| Dates | 6 March 2018 to date |
| GB timetable code | LS † |
| Notes | Track access rights run to 31 December 2024 |
| Company | London Southend Airport Company Ltd |
| Dates | 27 May 2020 to date |
| GB timetable code | XS † |
| Company | London Underground Ltd [London Transport] |
| Dates | 1 April 1994 to date |
| GB timetable code | LT † |
| Company | National Rail |
| Dates | by April 2022 to date |
| GB timetable code | XX † |
| Company | Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd |
| Dates | 3 February 2003 to date |
| GB timetable code | RT (to 17 May 2003) NR (from 18 May 2003) LR † (code used for on track plant moves only) |
| Company | |
| GB timetable code | NS |
| Company | North Yorkshire Moors Railway Enterprises plc |
| Dates | 27 May 2006 to date |
| GB timetable code | NY |
| Notes | Track access rights progressively extended to 31 March 2028 |
| Company | Pre Metro Operations |
| Dates | April 2003? to 31 March 2026 |
| GB timetable code | LM |
| Notes | Runs Stourbridge Town service under contract to London & Birmingham Railway Ltd/West Midlands Trains Ltd |
| Company | |
| Dates | 1 April 1994 to 2 February 2003 |
| GB timetable code | RT |
| Notes | British Rail subsidiary; vested as a separate government company from 1 April 1994; company floated 20 May 1996 Into railway administration 7 October 2001 Superseded by Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd from 3 February 2003 (owned by Network Rail Ltd from 3 October 2002, the name change took another four months) |
| Company | |
| Dates | February 2021? (certainly by 3 February 2021) to date |
| GB timetable code | SO † |
| Company | |
| GB timetable code | SE |
| Company | |
| Dates | 18 July 2011 to 26 May 2020 |
| GB timetable code | XS † |
| Company | Swanage Railway Company Ltd |
| Dates | planned |
| GB timetable code | SP † |
| Notes | Swanage services began on 13 June 2017 but initially operated by West Coast Railway Company Ltd on its behalf |
| Company | Transport for Greater Manchester |
| Dates | 1 February 2021 to date |
| GB timetable code | GM † |
| Company | Vintage Trains Ltd |
| Dates | 19 September 2018? (certainly by 24 September 2018) to date |
| GB timetable code | TY † |
| Notes | Initial track access rights ran 5 September 2018 to 31 December 2019. Renewal not found but company entered a new station access agreement in February 2021 |
| Company | West Coast Railway Company Ltd |
| Dates | 18 June 1998 to date |
| GB timetable code | WR |
| Notes | Seasonal operation started in 1995, provided by others under contract. First appeared in 1 June 1997 timetable (that season's operation started 16 June 1997). Responsible for own operation from 1998 Track access rights to at least 13 December 2020 (though there are separate agreements for the 'Jacobite' service). Renewals not found but company entered new station access agreements in 2021. |
| Company | |
| Dates | 28 April 2008 to 28 January 2011 |
| Trading as | Wrexham & Shropshire |
| GB timetable code | WS |
| Notes | Track access rights ran to 13 December 2014 Initially controlled by a John Laing/Renaissance Trains joint venture, purchased by DB in increasing proportions in January 2008 (before operations began) From 13 December 2009 operated by Chiltern Railways as separate brand |
| Company | Freight and miscellaneous operators |
| Dates | n/a |
| GB timetable code | ZZ † |
| Notes | See also Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd, Keolis Amey Operations/Gweithrediadau Keolis Amey Ltd and Northern Trains Ltd |
| Company | Christmas Special service |
| Dates | n/a |
| GB timetable code | XM † |
| Notes | Spoof code used around 24/25 December for 'Santa's delivery service |
Because it was not nationalised, the independent Liverpool Overhead Railway ran its own services over BR-owned track between Seaforth Sands [Liverpool Overhead] and Seaforth & Litherland [BR] stations. This arrangement lasted from 1 January 1948 until closure after services ended on 30 December 1956.
Perpetuating arrangements started by both organisations' predecessors, London Underground ran over BR-owned track from 1 January 1948 (main line nationalisation). The relevant routes are Queens Park-Watford Junction (service cut back to Harrow & Wealdstone from 24 September 1982), Wimbledon-East Putney (line transferred to LU from 1 April 1994), Bromley by Bow-Upminster (relevant tracks transferred to LU from 1 January 1969) and Richmond-Gunnersbury. LU continues to operate to Richmond and Harrow & Wealdstone over NR-owned track (see above).
The Dart Valley Railway (trading as Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway) ran over BR-owned track from just south of Paignton to mile post 223 (just south of Goodrington Sands). From 30 October 1972 (immediately after BR closure), BR provided the service under contract. From 1 January 1973 the P&DSR ran its own services on national network track to an unknown date in 2000 when it purchased and took control of all track except the end of a crossover connecting it to the national network (a licence exemption was issued from 11 July 2006). It remains a 'non-franchised' operator over this very short length.
The Dart Valley Railway operated over BR tracks into Totnes station from 5 April 1985 to end of season (circa 1 September) 1988.
From about 23 June 1985 the East Somerset Railway ran into Cranmore station on BR-owned track (ESR already owned the actual station). The ownership boundary later moved east, it appears from 1 December 2005, allowing ESR to have full control of its own operation.
Stagecoach Rail Ltd launched an 'open access' service in 1992, supplying seated coaches for the London-Aberdeen InterCity sleeper train; note that Stagecoach did not provide its own traction. The service lasted, it appears, only for the period 11 May 1992 to 1 November 1992, after which the seated accommodation reverted to InterCity (though joint marketing lasted until 1 October 1993). However, Mr Prescott, speaking to parliament on 29 October 1992, referred to the service in the past tense as already having collapsed.
Beginning on 29 March 1997, the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway runs on NR-owned track into Cholsey station. The track is not physically connected to the main line network.
Part of the Barry Tourist Railway ran over NR-owned track roughly from Barry harbour to Barry Island station. The site is physically joined to the NR network via a siding connection preventing direct through running. Operation started on 13 April 2001.
The Welsh Highland Railway uses a signalled flat crossing over the main line near Porthmadog. The crossing is owned by NR to the boundary fence either side and is thought to contain the company's only narrow gauge track. An inaugural service ran on 30 October 2010 with regular public use starting on 8 January 2011.
The Spa Valley Railway began operations on NR-owned track into Eridge from 25 March 2011. Stymied by NR engineering work, regular use had to wait until 2 April 2011. The track is not physically connected to the main line network.
Since 1 July 2011 a short length of Network Rail-owned track is used by Peak Rail to access Matlock station. This first day was a ceremonial opening; public operation started 2 July 2011. The access contract expires at timetable change date in December 2027.
The Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway started operations over NR-owned track for a short length from its own network into Princes Risborough station from August 2018. A special ran on 12, formal opening was on 15 and public use began on 19 August. Access rights run to 1 September 2025.
The 'owning' companies listed above are themselves part of larger groups. A much simplified summary is given here.
Abellio was ultimately part of NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the Dutch state railway); it was sold to Transport UK Group on 28 February 2023
Alliance Rail's majority shareholder is Arriva
Arriva became a subsidiary of DB (Deutsche Bahn, the German state railway) absorbing companies previously taken over by DB Regio; it was sold to I Squared on 3 June 2024
DB Regio is a subsidiary of DB (Deutsche Bahn, the German state railway)
DfT OLR Holdings is an operator of last resort reporting to the Secretary of State for Transport
Directly Operated Railways was an operator of last resort reporting to the Secretary of State for Transport
Enterprise Rail was a local management group
GB Railways was owned by the management team until taken over by First Group from 14 August 2003
Govia is a partnership between Go-Ahead and VIA GTI (later known as Keolis), the latter predominantly owned by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer, the French state railway)
Great Western Holdings was jointly owned by the management team, 3i and First Group, taken over completely by First Group from 6 March 1998
Inter City Railways was a joint venture between Stagecoach (90%) and Virgin Holdings (10%)
Keolis is predominantly owned by SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer, the French state railway)
M40 Trains was owned by the management team, John Laing and 3i until eventually taken over by Arriva from January 2008
MTL was taken over by Arriva from 18 February 2000
MTR Corporation runs Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway amongst other activities
NedRailways became Abellio in October 2009, ultimately part of NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the Dutch state railway); it was sold to Transport UK Group on 28 February 2023
Prism Rail was predominantly a management group drawn from the bus industry to take advantage of privatisation opportunities until taken over by National Express from 18 July 2000
Transport for Wales Rail is an operator of last resort ultimately reporting to the Welsh Ministers
Trenitalia is a subsidiary of FS (Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, the Italian state railway)
Victory Railway Holdings was jointly owned by the management team and Go-Ahead, taken over completely by Go-Ahead June 1998
Virgin Rail Group had Stagecoach involvement in various proportions since 22 June 1998
Tables compiled in collaboration with Richard Maund.
Timetable change dates appear on this Rail Chronology page.