Latest editorial
Network Rail, which is responsible for renewing and replacing tracks, is cutting almost 500 jobs of workers who carry out track replacement.
TSSA, the union which represents technical staff, warned yesterday that extending the life of the tracks could cause increase “the likelihood of catastrophic rail failure due to unaddressed metal fatigue.”
General secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “Under these changes, rail and ballast that would otherwise be considered life-expired will be left in service for years to come, creating wholly unnecessary safety risks.
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
