Next stop, public ownership: Eversheds Sutherland advises DfT on GTR transition

GTR, which runs Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express services, officially entered public ownership on 31 May, 2026 at 02:00 BST. It is the largest rail franchise in Great Britain and marks the fifth such transition under the Government’s Public Ownership Programme.

 

A large, cross-practice team from the global law firm advised the DfT and DfT Operator Limited throughout the process, providing rail, real estate, and data protection support.

Eversheds Sutherland’s team was led by commercial Partner William Spickett and comprised:  Partners Agnes Koko, Head of Transport, Phillip Tunney, Liz Fitzsimons, Legal Director Andrew Bell, Principal Associate Madhulika Kanaujia, Senior Associate Anna Allen, Associates Matthew Owen, Brad Gardiner, Chloe Kunz and Eleanor Gill, and Consultant Lucy Griffiths.

This latest mandate reinforces Eversheds Sutherland’s role as a leading adviser on complex large-scale rail transitions.

William Spickett, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said:

“Transitions of this size are operationally complex and highly scrutinised, so clarity and coordination are critical from the outset. This is another notable phase in the Government’s programme to reshape the rail network, and it’s been a privilege to once again support the DFTO and DfT on a transfer of such national importance.

“The successful transition reflects a huge collective effort across teams and disciplines, ensuring continuity for passengers while laying the foundations for longer-term reform.”

GTR is responsible for transporting millions of people, accounting for one in six passenger rail journeys.

Great British Railways (GBR) will eventually operate all passenger services by the end of 2027.

Eversheds Sutherland has advised the DfT and DfT Operator Limited on a number of similar transactions in recent months including the successful transfer of Greater Anglia rail services into public ownership.