There may be trouble ahead…
WE’RE now more than 12 months into this coronavirus pandemic, and with around half the adult population having received their first vaccination, some positive signs are beginning to emerge.
A number of heritage lines have confirmed reopening plans and railtour operators are working hard preparing Covid-safe operations. All very encouraging as we head to June 21 when all restrictions could be lifted, but as with everything, common sense has to prevail otherwise a resurgence of the virus will set everything back and, at its worst, result in another lockdown.
On the national network, it’s an interesting conundrum. For the past 12 months, the Treasury has been supporting the rail industry to the tune of around £900 million per month – an insane amount money. Although passenger numbers have increased from 35 million journeys (Apr-June 2020) to 140 million (Oct-Dec 2020), it is still only around a third of passenger numbers pre-covid.