In The News: 20th July

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Network Rail could take over the running of the railways in England under plans being considered by the Department for Transport.

The article in The Times says with just two months to go before the expiry of the emergency management arrangements put in place by the department in response to the pandemic, ministers and civil servants are in talks with train operators about how the industry might emerge.

The paper says that it is understood that the DfT is likely to follow the guidance of the unpublished Williams Report into root-and-branch reform in the industry.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s ambition for a zero-carbon railway by 2030 moved a significant step closer with the publication to market of Transport for London’s renewable energy requirements.

By changing the way electricity is supplied, the Mayor and TfL are seeking to move towards a greater use of renewable energy as a key measure in helping tackle the climate emergency.

The aim is that all electricity requirements for the Underground are met via zero carbon sources by 2030.

The rail industry is launching a campaign to try to entice passengers back as safely as possible.

The article in the Independent says among the measures includes Network Rail deploying more than twice as many additional staff to help customers as it did during the 2012 London Olympics.

Chief Executive Andrew Haines said they have significantly stepped up cleaning regimes and made sure there are more staff on hand to help with information so you can travel safely.

Finally, and South Western Railway has announced the company is spending over £1.5 million on re-painting stations across the network.

The first phase of the programme is already underway, with repainting currently taking place at 10 stations, including the flagship stations of Wimbledon, Portsmouth and Southsea and Basingstoke.

Photo credit: South Western Railway

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