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An empty looking platform at Edinburgh Waverley station
RAIL unions welcomed the government’s decision to take control of Britain’s privately operated rail services today, but added that it should not have taken the Covid-19 crisis for public ownership to come into effect.
The takeover, which will initially last for six months, includes “transferring revenue and cost risk to the government,” meaning that the taxpayer will have to foot the bill for any costs involved.
Privateers will also be paid “a small predetermined management fee” for day-to-day running of services. Wages and conditions of rail staff are guaranteed by the Department for Transport.
The HS2 debacle exposes what happens when public infrastructure is handed to private contractors – especially when set against China’s state-led high-speed rail success, says CARLOS MARTINEZ
A just transition to Great British Railways and a clean and safe railway for all is not only desirable but also necessary. MARYAM ESLAMDOUST explains
On the eve of the 157th Trades Union Congress, MICK WHELAN, general secretary of Aslef, the train drivers’ union, celebrates victory in his campaign to get dignity for drivers at work