A train passes through the shimmering heat from railway lines in Ashford, Kent
TRANSPORT unions urged the government today to end the “grotesque” privatisation of rail, as ministers pondered transferring privateers’ debts to the public balance sheet.
Emergency measures agreements (EMAs) between the Department for Transport (DfT) and rail franchises have shifted all running costs onto the DfT, with revenue also going to the department.
EMAs were introduced in March as passenger numbers and revenues plummeted due to the coronavirus pandemic, giving franchises a management fee of up to 2 per cent.
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