Rail industry press briefing 2013-46

20th December 2013

  • East Coast announces fares freeze
  • London Underground medics team cut
  • Environmental warning over HS2
In this issue:

This week

Rail workers are being sprayed by human urine and faeces from passing trains, putting their health at risk. [BBC News]Network Rail will become a public sector body during the coming year, following a reclassification of the company’s status by the Office for National Statistics. [Railnews]A team of medics used on the London Underground to help speed up the response when passengers fall ill, is to be cut by more than a half. [BBC News]East Coast has become the first to announce a freeze on 43 per cent of its fares for 2014 – including more than half of journeys to and from London. [Daily Mail]Thirteen Metrolink fare dodgers in Manchester who have racked up more than £16,000 in court fines are to be arrested and hauled into court. [Manchester Evening News]The Woodland Trust says a report on the environmental impact of the HS2 rail project reveals a “shocking disregard” for wildlife and ancient woodland. [BBC News]