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MPs yesterday slammed ministers for lumping all the risk for glitzy new trains on taxpayers.
The Intercity Express Project trains will be operated by privateers on Britain’s key main line routes — replacing ageing High Speed Trains and Intercity 225 stock.
But in an unprecedented move, the Department for Transport opted to “lead on procurement” of the new intercity trains alongside new stock for London’s Thameslink route. This means private rail conglomerates can wash their hands of the associated financial risks if things go wrong.
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
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
