MillionMilesAway
Well-Known Member
That's the intention. Track and trains. But taking track maintenance under direct control would probably still be done by contracting with private firms - though as with train procurement that system is prone to fluctuations in demand that may leave some companies with no work at times.
I don't think we'll depart too much from EU rules on opening the system to competition (perhaps one reason why they'll still allow "open access" to companies like Hull Trains and Lumo on the East Coast main line).
Yeah, I doubt there's much drive to bring engineering internally - presumably the current franchises use contractors mainly.
There shouldn't be a lack of maintenance work though except for geographical extremities - just schedule it properly.
Has the franchise-giving window closed now? Or can the govt suddenly decide to extend current licences to screw up Labour's plan? I have no doubt that they can be that small-minded.