As of 20 July 2025, all c2c rail services have officially transitioned to public ownership and are now operated by DfT Operator Ltd (DFTO).

DFTO is the government’s public sector owning group, responsible for managing rail operators as they move into public hands in preparation for the future launch of Great British Railways (GBR).

With the addition of c2c, DFTO now oversees services accounting for 28% of all passenger rail journeys across the UK.

Bringing c2c into public ownership is part of a broader strategy to enhance passenger experience by integrating train operations with infrastructure management. This approach aims to improve performance, increase efficiency, reduce taxpayer subsidies, and foster innovation, ultimately delivering a better railway for both customers and the public.

For further details, please refer to the official Department for Transport press release. Photo by © Trenitalia c2c Rail Ltd.