Network Rail pledges to keep supplies and key workers moving during COVID-19 crisis

Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of the North West and Central (NW&C) region at Network Rail – known as the ‘Backbone of Britain’ – has pledged to ensure that the railway will continue to work to keep vital supplies and key workers moving over the coming months, during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Tim said: “Our role in Britain’s coronavirus response is clear – to keep key workers, including in the NHS and emergency services, as well as food, fuel and medicine moving safely as together we rise to this challenge.”

NW&C is known as the ‘Backbone of Britain’ due to running from London Euston and Marylebone through the Chilterns, West Midlands, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Lancashire and Cumbria to Glasgow. It includes the West Coast main line, Europe’s busiest mixed-use (passenger and freight) railway.

The pledge announcement came following the introduction of a new reduced timetable – agreed by the rail industry in response to the escalating coronavirus pandemic – which was brought in on 23 March 2020, offering fewer passenger services and scope for increased volumes of freight. 

Tim continued: “We are planning carefully and supporting our railway colleagues, especially those in critical frontline roles, as we all work together to support Britain in its hour of need. The West Coast main line is the Backbone of Britain, the artery connecting London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow. We must keep it open to ensure vital supplies and key workers get where they’re needed. And that is what we will do.”

He added: “I’d like to publicly thank all Network Rail staff and wider rail industry colleagues for the hard work you’re each putting in to keep the railway open for passengers and freight at this hugely challenging time.”