Rail unions have dismissed the government’s claim that big savings are needed because of a permanent decline in use since the pandemic, citing official data that showed demand creeping above 90% of pre-pandemic levels during some days late last month.
Aslef, the train drivers’ union, is demanding a meeting with transport secretary Grant Shapps to discuss the future of the industry, stating that ministers are opting for “grandstanding” over an acceptable, gradual plan to modernising the railways.
