The United Kingdom has officially taken back control of the c2c rail franchise, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing rail modernization strategy. As operations transition to public ownership under c2c Railway Limited, Trenitalia—part of Italy’s FS Group—concludes its direct management role while reaffirming its long-term commitment to the UK rail sector. Rather than signaling a withdrawal, this shift reflects a strategic evolution, with Trenitalia now focusing on high-impact infrastructure partnerships, technological innovation, and sustainable high-speed connectivity across Europe. The move aligns with the UK’s broader vision of building a smarter, greener, and more integrated transportation network that enhances mobility, boosts regional economies, and delivers long-term value to passengers and communities alike.

Trenitalia Celebrates Transformative c2c Chapter as UK Franchise Returns to Public Ownership

Effective Sunday, 20 July, the c2c rail franchise has officially come under public control, now operating as c2c Railway Limited under the oversight of the UK Department for Transport. This marks the conclusion of Trenitalia’s direct operational role in managing the route, but not its departure from the UK rail sector. Instead, the company sees this milestone as the beginning of a new strategic role in shaping the future of British rail.

Trenitalia, part of Italy’s FS Group with over 100 years of rail expertise, reflects proudly on its stewardship of c2c since acquiring the franchise in 2017. Over the past eight years, the company introduced pioneering technology, elevated customer service, and delivered a modern rail experience for millions of passengers. This transition signifies not a retreat, but a repositioning—from operator to long-term strategic partner—poised to support the UK’s evolving rail strategy under Great British Railways.

A Legacy of Innovation and Service Excellence

Trenitalia’s UK chapter with c2c has been marked by continuous investment in operational excellence and passenger-centric improvements. The operator has delivered more than 935,000 services and facilitated over 315 million passenger journeys, consistently earning accolades for punctuality and reliability. The most recent Transport Focus survey awarded c2c a 94.5% customer satisfaction score—higher than any other train company in the UK.

This performance was powered by a wide-ranging investment programme. A key milestone was the deployment of 10 newly built Alstom electric trainsets, marking a £100 million investment aimed at modernising and upgrading the fleet. c2c also became the UK’s first national rail route to adopt a fully contactless payment system, now processing over 10,000 daily taps. These technological enhancements, alongside upgrades to station facilities and streamlined ticketing through the digital PICO platform, have modernized the passenger journey from start to finish.

Strengthening the Regional Economy and Communities

Beyond performance metrics, Trenitalia’s impact has been felt throughout the East of England. c2c’s services are vital to more than 25,000 daily commuters into London, with regional rail travel contributing an estimated £590 million annually to local businesses. By reducing travel time, improving reliability, and enhancing customer experience, c2c has been a key driver of regional growth.

Fare compliance initiatives recovered nearly £600,000 from fare evasion in the last year, further reinforcing the system’s integrity and financial health. Additionally, the franchise achieved multiple safety and security certifications, including those from the White Ribbon campaign, Secure Stations Scheme, and national safeguarding programs—demonstrating a clear commitment to passenger and staff welfare.

Targeted government co-investments, such as the Station Improvement Fund and the Customer & Communities Investment Fund (CCIF), further empowered c2c to enhance the station environment and improve accessibility, making rail travel more inclusive and enjoyable for all.

A Continued Commitment to the UK Rail Future

Trenitalia underscores its ongoing commitment to the UK railway sector. Far from exiting, the company is expanding its focus on strategic partnerships and infrastructure development. Most recently, Trenitalia submitted an application to operate high-speed services between London and Paris, a move aligned with its broader mission to create a more sustainable and interconnected European rail network.

As a member of the FS Group, Trenitalia is leveraging its vast international experience to support the long-term vision of Great British Railways. This includes working closely with local authorities, universities, and innovation hubs to share knowledge and strengthen the UK’s mobility ecosystem.

Trenitalia’s repositioning reflects the dynamic nature of the rail sector and its own adaptability. While the mode of engagement may shift, the mission remains unchanged: to deliver efficient, safe, and future-ready rail services that benefit passengers, communities, and economies.

The United Kingdom has reclaimed the c2c rail franchise as Trenitalia transitions from operator to strategic partner, aiming to advance high-speed, sustainable mobility across Europe. This marks a bold step in the UK’s drive toward a smarter, greener rail future.

Looking Ahead with Pride and Purpose

As the c2c franchise returns to public hands, Trenitalia expresses heartfelt gratitude to its employees, customers, and partners who helped make its journey in the UK impactful and innovative. The company views this moment as a celebration of what has been accomplished and a springboard toward future contributions to Britain’s rail transformation.

With a track record defined by investment, resilience, and collaboration, Trenitalia remains a committed ally in the journey to build a smarter, greener, and more integrated transportation future across the UK and beyond.