Rail Express | 283 - December 2019
The election gun was fired as this issue went to press and, while the parties’ official manifestos were still to be published, the two biggest hinted at their views on how our railways should be run. Both the Conservatives and Labour want to move away from the current franchising model, which they see as broken, and both also want to set up a new body to oversee operations. They disagree, however, on how that should be done.
The Conservatives are in favour of private companies running passenger services under fixed fee contracts, which transfers much of the financial risk to the Government – risk that has increasingly put off private firms from bidding for franchises in the face of shrinking profit margins.
The contracts approach is a kind of ‘backdoor’ nationalisation, but Labour is more in favour of full nationalisation – rolling back the 25 years since Privatisation and recreating something like British Rail. Whichever approach you favour, and each has arguments for and against, either case will see the Government take on even more day-to- day control. And the problem with that is
Governments of both colours have not had a great track record on this over the past couple of decades.
read more
read less
First produced in print in 1996 and published every month, Rail Express is your monthly insight into the world of modern railway. Boasting the tagline: ‘Essential reading for today’s rail enthusiast’, the title brings you all the latest in rail-industry news, including developments, changes in policy and lots more.
25 years later and Rail Express has firmly cemented its status as the go-to publication for UK rail fans. With an entire section devoted to modelling and news for modellers, insightful and in-depth features on some of the important issues facing rail enthusiasts today, and stories that unveil the history of British trains and bring them to life in front of your very eyes. Whether it’s overground or underground or electric or steam trains that blow your whistle, Rail Express contains everything the modern rail enthusiast needs to know.
With a whole host of rail-related news and in-depth features, upcoming events in the world of train fans, comprehensive scale-model guides and letters and reviews from fellow enthusiasts, Rail Express brings you coverage of absolutely everything train-related. No matter what kind of trains you’re into, you’ll be on track with your hobby with an annual Rail Express Magazine digital magazine subscription - download the latest edition to your device today.
A Rail Express Magazine digital magazine subscription is your go-to for all things rail-related, subscribe today and enjoy:
- The UK’s favourite modern rail enthusiast title
- Essential features and news for today’s rail enthusiast
- A comprehensive scale models guide
- Superb photographs of trains in action
- Reviews and letters from fellow enthusiasts
- Delivered directly to your device every month
You'll receive 12 issues during a 1 year Rail Express magazine subscription.
Note: Digital editions do not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with printed copies.
Articles in this issue
Below is a selection of articles in Rail Express 283 - December 2019.