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Rail Update
23 March 2020
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Transport
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses measures to support the UK rail sector during the pandemic by offering Emergency Measures Agreements to train operators.
Action Requested
Operators can temporarily transition onto Emergency Measures Agreements for up to six months, suspending normal financial mechanisms and transferring all revenue and cost risks to the government. Passengers holding Advance tickets will receive refunds if they cannot use them due to travel restrictions.
Key Facts
- Railways have seen up to a 70% drop in passenger numbers.
- Total ticket sales are down by two-thirds from the equivalent date in 2019.
- Fees for Emergency Measures Agreements will be set at a maximum of 2 per cent of the franchise's cost base before the pandemic.
- Operators can request extensions or early cancellation of these agreements as needed.
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