In The News: 20th April

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Crucial publicly owned transport services could face the axe because of lost revenues as passengers stay away.

That’s according to an article in the Guardian which says metro light rail systems, losing tens of millions of pounds a month, are not covered by the Treasury’s lockdown support for bus and rail.

Mayors have pressed for assistance, but no scheme has been agreed after weeks of talks.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said transport authorities were having to make “tough choices to reduce costs”.

Sir Peter Hendy, the head of Network Rail, says restrictions are likely to be imposed on the number of people travelling by train when the coronavirus lockdown lifts to maintain social distancing.

In an article in the Times, he said the rail network may not be able to “carry the numbers of people who would normally travel” when commuters return to work.

He was speaking on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4.

A decision is due to be made this week on the plans for the HS2 Curzon Street station in Birmingham.

Councillors will look at three planning applications for the new railway station during an online meeting on Thursday.

Officers are recommending the plans are approved.

Finally, and there has been some good news for two heritage railways in recent days which both launched urgent appeals following the coronavirus crisis.

Severn Valley Railway has raised over £416,000 thanks to generous donors responding to its Emergency Appeal.

Meanwhile Wales 247 say over £30,000 has been raised for the Talyllyn Railway in Mid Wales.

Photo credit: HS2 Ltd

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