c2c London and Essex trains become publicly owned this weekend

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced this move as part of its plan to integrate more services under the Great British Railways initiative.

The goal is to boost reliability and increase passenger numbers.

The c2c services operating from Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness will be the second operator to come under public ownership.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: "From this Sunday you will be able to get there on a train service run by the public, for the public.

"Public ownership is already tackling deep-rooted problems we see on the railway that's led to spiralling costs, fragmentation and waste."

The transition to public ownership allows passengers to use their tickets interchangeably between publicly owned operators at no extra cost during disruptions.

Rob Mullen, managing director of c2c, said: "At c2c, we are proud of the reliable and high level of service we offer our passengers, consistently being rated as one of the best performing operators in the country.

"A unified and focused railway can deliver more for our communities, including better growth, jobs and houses.

"If we are thriving as a train operator it helps our communities to thrive."

The DfT's move follows the passing of the Public Ownership Act in November, which allows passenger services operating under departmental contracts to be publicly owned.

Greater Anglia's services are set to follow, with public ownership scheduled for October 12.

This marks another step towards the establishment of Great British Railways.