Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I hope you are all keeping as well as possible in these incredibly challenging circumstances.
The rail industry is at the heart of the UK’s fight against the spread of coronavirus and, while the country has been put into a 21-day lockdown, key workers in the rail industry will be out today, and every day, keeping the people and freight on the move.
Those working on the railways from the cleaners through to the drivers and back office personnel to leadership teams will be making sure the nation is fed and helping transport those health workers and other key workers to jobs so vital every day, but particularly during these challenging times.
Freight, often overlooked, is also critical to the nation – the distribution of medical supplies, food and other essentials all part of the role it plays.
Like everyone, here at railbusinessdaily.com we want to do what we can, which in our case is to support and promote the rail industry and its work. Our job is to keep bringing you the latest news and announcements related to the coronavirus and the impact on the rail industry, what is particularly important to us is to highlight the great work that you are all doing. We have recently introduced a dedicated COVID-19OnePlace page with the latest on the pandemic and the amazing efforts of the rail industry to keep the trains on track.
In a small way it seems to be working, more and more people are turning to our daily email and our website for the latest rail news. Indeed, our daily email open rates have almost trebled in the last week – a sign that people are turning to us for the latest industry news and as a force for good (our reason for being).
Never has collaboration been so important for the rail industry. The news by the Government to support train operating companies is a welcome relief not just for those companies, but those passengers who rely so much on these services.
Transport for London and Network Rail recently announced measures to support tenants, which again shows this attitude of ‘we’re in this together’. I don’t think the rail industry has ever been closer.
What is also heartening is the industry looking to go above and beyond to help the communities they serve. From excess food being donated to foodbanks, through to businesses suffering hardships themselves donated personal protective equipment to those saving lives.
It is with immense pride that I see and hear what the rail industry is doing during these times. With the huge levels of pressure and responsibility currently placed on the industry, we really are shining. I’m sure if anyone can get through this, it is the railway family when everyone is pulling together.
So, while some trains continue to run, projects still go ahead, stations continue to be operated but times remain uncertain…we’ll be here. Here to help.
Stay safe, protect the NHS.
David
