The future of the privatised rail system was thrown into further doubt on Wednesday as the government announced the renationalisation of the struggling Northern rail franchise. The UK transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “This is a new beginning but it is only a beginning. Northern rail passengers least satisfied in the UK Read moreThe transport secretary had announced earlier in January that Northern’s finances meant that the current franchise arrangement could only last months. Shapps eventually decided against accepting proposals from Arriva for a short-term management contract, which northern transport authorities had described as a “reward for failure”. Northern rail has had no real investment for years and it’s a service that is used heavily by the public.

Source: The Guardian January 29, 2020 13:13 UTC