Loading...
 

press release 17th July 2020

Public transport can now start again to play its proper role


Railfuture has strongly campaigned for the government to stop telling people not to use public transport, given implementation of rigorous station and train cleaning programme and the requirement to wear masks. Rail services were stepped up from 12th June, yet the rail industry failed to get out of the mindset of wanting to operate without passengers, subsidised by government.

Railfuture’s vigorous campaign has been boosted by the efforts of Railfuture’s President, Christian Wolmar, alongside other industry players who have highlighted that public transport is essential to addressing the economic issues facing us all.

Railfuture welcomes the announcement by the Prime Minister in the Downing Street Coronavirus briefing that “In England, from today, we are making clear that anybody may use public transport”.

Railfuture’s chair, Chris Page said “Getting the UK’s economy into gear as quickly as possible is crucial. Public transport can now start again to play its proper role in bringing back our towns, cities, seasides and recreational areas such as National Parks into life. This can now be done in an environmentally sustainable way.

We can now return to using our trains and buses, knowing that they comply with government advice on keeping passengers safe. We should all play our part in to supporting this by wearing masks.”


Notes to editors:

Railfuture is the UK's leading independent organisation campaigning for
better rail services for both passengers and freight.

Railfuture's website can be found at: www.railfuture.org.uk

Follow Railfuture on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Railfuture

For further information and comment please contact:

Bruce Williamson, media spokesman
Tel: 0117 927 2954 Mobile: 07759 557389
media at railfuture.org.uk

Chris Page, Railfuture chairman
Tel: 07928 299288
chris.page at railfuture.org.uk