THE government is facing increasing pressure to take the railway industry back into public ownership as operators across Britain head for financial collapse.

Passenger numbers fell by 95 per cent when the coronavirus lockdown was introduced, and it has now been reported that secret meetings have been held between ministers and rail operators over a potential collapse.

Today, the general secretary of the rail industry’s white-collar TSSA union called on the government to “bite the bullet” and take Britain’s railway back into public ownership.

Manuel Cortes said that even before the pandemic, several rail franchises were believed to be on the verge of financial failure.

He said: “The result of any discussions which are taking place at the moment should end the Tory failed Frankenstein experiment of privatising our railways. 

“It was teetering on the brink before the pandemic, and it would be little wonder that it’s reached the end of the line. 

“The hard reality is: our rail network is vital and has only been able to keep Britain moving during the crisis because the government has stepped in — making our railways state-owned in all but name.”

However, privateers are still turning a profit at a time of national crisis, Mr Cortes said. 

“Government needs to be up-front with the public about what’s going on — bite the bullet and end the privateers’ gravy train by bringing our railways back into public ownership, for the good of our whole country, ” he said.

Passenger numbers have been massively reduced in order to make journeys safe under physical distancing measures, he warned.