Latest editorial
BRITAIN’S rail privateers looked forward to cashing in on thousands of passengers’ Christmas transport misery yesterday thanks to the madness of the franchise system.
Taxpayer-owned infrastructure group Network Rail (NR) faces big compensation payouts and official fines for the chaos caused by over-run maintenance works after the Office for Rail Regulation announced an investigation.
Passengers in London trying to get to the north of England and Scotland or return to the capital were confronted by a total shutdown at King’s Cross, while Paddington was hit by a major signal failure.
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
