About Stansted Express

About Stansted Express

In October 2025, Stansted Express operations transferred into public ownership under DFTO (DfT Operator Ltd).

DFTO is the government’s rail Owning Group and delivery partner for its flagship Public Ownership Programme, which will help deliver the government’s commitment to build a simpler, more unified railway under Great British Railways.

Under the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024, DFTO was given a mandate by the government to bring all rail operations that DFT is responsible for into public ownership. The government’s vision is to provide a railway that works better for both passengers and taxpayers across Great Britain.

What does this mean for customers?

The vision is for publicly owned operators to become industry-leading in performance, passenger satisfaction, safety, operational efficiency and reliability. Public ownership enables operators to work closer with Network Rail and one another, to improve collaboration and make better, faster decisions for passengers and taxpayers.

Public ownership is only the first step in the journey to a better railway where passengers are put first. Ultimately, train operators and Network Rail will operate under one banner – Great British Railways – operating as a single ’directing mind’ that will run the railway in the interests of passengers and customers, and which will be accountable to passengers, government and the regulator.

Learn more about Great British Railways and the public ownership programme.

Our promise

When you travel with Stansted Express you can expect high standards. This means we will: 

• Provide you with a safe, clean, punctual and reliable train service
• Make it easy for you to buy tickets
• Always treat you well and fairly
• Keep you informed about services, planned changes and disruptions
• Publish our performance and quality targets
• Listen to you and engage with you more 

Your rights

Your rights and responsibilities when you travel by train in the UK are explained in the National Rail Conditions of Travel.

Find out more