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Commuters have followed the appeals by train operating companies to stay off the trains despite an increase in the numbers of services running.
That’s according to an article in The Guardian today which says rail companies reported a small increase in passengers yesterday.
This week, about 3,000 more trains per day will run. But people are being urged to only travel by rail if it is essential to help stop the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Network Rail told the paper there was ‘a marginal increase in footfall for some stations’ but ‘no social distancing or crowding issues’.
The Department for Transport says it has ‘comprehensively reset’ the HS2 programme, including a revised budget and funding regime.
The spokesperson also told railbusinessdaily.com that there have also been significant reforms to ensure the project is delivered in a more disciplined and transparent manner.
The comments come after the Public Accounts Committee said the HS2 rail project has gone ‘badly off course’ and called for the Government to give regular, accurate and open updates on its progress.
The rail line between Eastleigh and Fareham will be closed for a week of improvement works.
The Southern Daily Echo says rail engineers will install 1,400 metres of new track on a section of the line designed to last up to 60 years.
The work to improve both the railway’s reliability and train performance, is due to take place between Saturday, May 23rd and Friday, May 29th.
Finally and Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway has revealed it is renaming its 1916 built steam locomotive ‘Illingworth’ to ‘Nightingale and Seacole’.
It is to mark the courage of those in the frontline tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo credit: Network Rail
