UK rail operators plan to restore 90% of train services | Business

Train operators will restore more services on Monday as the government seeks to encourage British office workers Return to their offices.

About 90% of the usual schedule will operate after the schedule change, and up to 98% of passenger services before the epidemic spreads in the southeast, although some of the remaining suspended train services are now unlikely to return until December.

While social distancing requirements mean that trains can safely carry about half of their usual capacity, there will also be additional wagons on some rush trains to allow more people to travel, particularly on roads serving schools, with more. Schools reopen in England and Wales.

Robert Nisbet, director of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators, said: “Railroad companies are enhancing services to help people feel confident returning to workplaces and supporting economic recovery in city centers. Some train times will change, so we ask people to check before they travel. And plan their trips for quieter times if possible. “

Passenger Sergeant, Transportation Focus welcomed and expanded services. “The railway industry must focus on maintaining good performance so that passengers can travel with confidence. Disruption and any congestion from this would be particularly unwelcome,” said Anthony Smith, the company’s chief executive.

Timelines have returned to around 80% of normal levels in recent weeks, after having been lowered during the lockdown under emergency measures. Train operators have performed better with an emphasis on key services, but trade unions have demanded the restoration of full schedules, amid concerns that schedules will be permanently cut back.

RMT’s senior assistant secretary-general, Mick Lynch, said maintaining a 10% cut in services during the fall was “a reactionary and destructive step, inconsistent with the government’s plans to get Britain back into action”, and the union would see it as a “hostile act that could lead to more.” Of deep cuts on the line. “

“Any moves toward transport austerity aimed at reducing services, jobs and conditions will be strongly opposed by RMT at every step of the way,” he said.

The government said proposals that it would approve fewer services in the long term were “inaccurate and incorrect”. “We have asked operators to increase service levels before the schools return in September, to ensure that the current excellent reliability levels are maintained while providing more space for social distancing and additional capacity for the future,” the transportation ministry said.

“With passengers returning as the economy resumes, our intervention means that the railways are ready and able to support the national recovery from Covid.”

Passenger numbers stayed on Just below a third of normal levels At the beginning of September, according to DfT numbers.

Face coverings remain mandatory on trains and stations, and a recent study by the Council of Railways Safety and Standards found that the risk of contracting Covid-19 was less than 0.01% on an average trip.

Understandably, the industry is frustrated by waiting for something unequivocal Train Safety Certification From the government as well Changes in tickets. Since many people no longer travel for business regularly enough to take advantage of the season tickets, the cost of daily return at peak times is a deterrent to occasional commutes. Some employers have offered plans to help counter this, with Bloomberg offering up to £ 56 a day for travel expenses for employees coming into the office.