Welcome to the latest issue of Future Rail magazine

In the UK this month, the Department for Transport has announced that the Transpennine Express train operator will be taken into public control once its contract expires.

In this issue, we hear the industry's response to the news, as well as asking – in light of this being the fourth operator to be taken over by the state-owned Operator of Last Resort – does this signal the beginning of a move away from the privatised model in the UK?

Elsewhere, we dive into the Railway Industry Associations' recent digital technology report, find out how the National Grid is helping the decarbonisation of railways, and look at how to create more a sustainable travel and tourism model.

For all this and the latest rail industry news, comment, and analysis from GlobalData, read on. You can also follow us @FutureRail_Mag

Peter Nilson, editor