There are many companies operating trains in the United Kingdom, including the operators of franchised and publicly owned passenger services, officially referred to as train operating companies (TOCs), as distinct from freight operating companies.
There are also a number of light rail systems.
Future operating companies that have been announced by the Department for Transport. These will be the first nationalised operators to take over passenger services since the passing of the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024, which makes public ownership the default option for passenger services.
Operating companies have ceased to exist for various reasons, including withdrawal of the franchise, the term of the franchise has expired, bankruptcy or merger.
In Northern Ireland, passenger trains are NI/Ireland government-owned by Translink or the National Transport Authority. The following brands are used:
Luxury railtours
In Northern Ireland
Defunct: