From Sunday 25 May 2025, train services operating through Overton will officially come under public ownership as South Western Railway (SWR) is transferred to a government-run operator.
The change follows the introduction of the Passenger Railways Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024, and marks a significant milestone in the government’s broader plan to bring the UK’s railways back into public hands.
SWR services will now be operated by a new public sector company, South Western Railway Limited, a subsidiary of DfT Operator Limited. This company will eventually become part of Great British Railways (GBR), a new national rail body intended to streamline the country’s fragmented rail network.
Despite the change in ownership, there will be no immediate impact on passengers using Overton Station. Train timetables, ticket prices, and existing bookings will remain unchanged, and customer services – including railcards and website access – will continue to function as usual.
The Department for Transport has also confirmed that train services over the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend will run as planned, including routes connecting Overton with Basingstoke, Salisbury, and London Waterloo.
Transport officials say the move is designed to improve accountability, reduce industry fragmentation, and prioritise passengers over profits. Once GBR is fully operational, it will oversee everything from infrastructure and timetabling to customer-facing services, replacing the current system of multiple operators.
While the transition will be largely invisible in the short term, Overton travellers could see longer-term benefits through increased investment and improved service delivery.
For the latest service updates and journey planning, passengers can visit www.southwesternrailway.com.
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