RMT steps up Network Rail jobs dispute
The RMT has launched the next phase of its campaign opposing Network Rail plans which it claims would result in ‘thousands of job losses’. Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines has called for the union to ‘embrace the need to modernise’.
New reports are claiming that Eurostar’s lenders have agreed a deal to continue loans said to be worth at least £400 million beyond their original repayment dates this summer. The British government has so far declined to help with any bailout.
Proposals to take a southerly route for East West Rail from Cambourne into Cambridge have sparked opposition from campaigners. One group claims it has been denied a ‘fair opportunity’ to make its protest, and is calling for a judicial review.
Work has begun on building a new station on the southern outskirts of Exeter. The station at Marsh Barton is part of the Devon Metro plan, and will be on the main line south of Exeter St Thomas.
Highways England has come under more pressure over its proposals to demolish or infill more than 130 old railway bridges and cuttings to reduce maintenance costs. Highways England had already sparked a debate when it revealed its plans.
Members of the Unite union at ScotRail have voted in favour of strikes by 75 per cent, while 90 per cent of the members who voted were in favour of action ‘short of strikes’. As in two recent RMT votes for strikes, the dispute is over pay.
The Campaign for Better Transport is predicting that few longer-term changes to travel patterns are likely after the pandemic, quoting a survey of transport users carried out in March.
Abellio reports increasing ScotRail losses
Main line blocked by derailment near Dalwhinnie
ScotRail ticket examiners vote for strikes
More trains next week, and forecasts are claiming passengers will return
Eurostar uncertainty continues as cash crisis remains unresolved
Government proposes 10-year contract for West Coast Partnership