In The News: 27th March

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The National Infrastructure Commission is today calling for businesses, passengers, transport experts and regional leaders to share their ideas for transforming the rail landscape of the north alongside the East and West Midlands.

It has launched a new call for evidence to help create a lasting legacy from the construction of High Speed 2.

The assessment will inform the government’s plans for an integrated rail plan for the Midlands and the north.

Following more photographs of packed Tube trains in London, the Transport Commissioner has urged people who don’t need to travel not to, to help save lives.

Mike Brown says 30% of their own drivers, station staff, controllers and maintenance teams are not able to come to work.

He has described the efforts made by staff to keep the network running as heroic and said they are applying station control measures and encouraging people to spread their time of travel.

Several bikes, a bin and even washing machine parts. Just some of the items that have been found obstructing the Wessex rail route.

British Transport Police says there’s been a rise in the number of dangerous incidents of obstruction and has amounted to 4,000 minutes of delays and around £250,000 in cost to the industry.

Inspector Andy Jackson says any incidents will be fully investigated so they can identify those responsible and take action.

Network Rail says it is working with freight operating companies to rise to the challenges during the COVID-19 crisis and is continuing its 600 freight services each day.

To keep the NHS, supermarkets and other retailers stocked with essential supplies, freight has been prioritised.

Photo credit: Network Rail

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