Well maybe yes The UK rail system has routes that really are not needed and certainly not economically viable but whoever wins the election has a real problem with the railways.

Here are some figures on station usage 2023 post Covid compared to 2019

This clearly illustrates a two fold problem –

• revenue is not at a level to sustain the long-term viability of some routes
• the entire UK system does not have the benefit of the surplus that the South East historical produced.

There is forever hope that passengers will flood to the railways unfortunately, the reverse seems to be true.  There are routes which are successful however this is generally no thanks to the operators but simply they are routes where people currently wish to travel –  a good example being the East Coast route to Scotland

Edinburgh and the route are fortunate.  Edinburgh is an attractive city, has events for most of the year and is ideal for staycations There is also some continuing business travel 

If we look at the SE and particularly the commuter routes then things are not so good.  “Working from home “ (or not!) has really hit revenue, although observation indicates higher weekend travel – to meet with colleagues and families when free from being tied to the house!!

No doubt there are hopes that people will return to commuting and there are indications that some employers would actually like to see their employees but this is unlikely to happen in any large numbers.  Employers must wonder just how efficient homeworking is – overall productivity is decreasing.  AI will further decrease the need for commuting.

A complete review of passenger flows and realistic possible passenger flows has to be undertaken  – not simply for the SE commuter roots but other commuting and Inter-city routes.  Many existing routes would not be replicated today. But we have the assets – utilise them with services that are or will be in demand.  Services can be rerouted and recast eg Cannon Street could be closed – but it is a possibly necessary terminus.

What about through trains using the bridge across Waterloo Road, crossing the concourse at Waterloo to access the South Western lines?  Madness!

Railways tend to be conservative in culture – not surprising since you have fixed tracks! 

We tend to be rather stuck with our history but routing and services can change.

There were sensible moves in the days of British rail the concept of intercity routes and particularly cross country routes was innovative and revenue generating.  There are no doubt services that are needed.   Get AI to mine the data from entries and exits and ticket sales etc .

In the run up to the election very little seems to have been said about increasing employment and jobs .  Forget any grandiose schemes, the existing UK rail infrastructure can be a driver of the economy if utilised.  Passengers could return and move to rail – but only if service are attractive

More revenue earning services – better facilities more jobs – all without the costs of the likes fof HS2

We do not need a modern Beeching – we need railway services that customers are willing to pay for.  It seems that the DFT may have woken up to this with recent appointments but maybe that is wishing too much.

#BritishRailways

#UKRail