Time to think outside the box?
MORE than three months into the Emergency Measures Agreements (EMAs) which suspended the normal financial mechanisms of franchising, figures show this support has cost taxpayers around£3.5billion so far.
These EMAs are in place for a minimum of six months, and by the end of September will have cost the Government £7bn. Then what? Will they be extended?
There are predictions EMAs could be in place until September 2021 while a new plan for the railways is devised, possibly incorporating the long-awaited Williams report.
However, until passenger numbers have returned to near pre-Covid-19 levels, you simply can't consider a return to franchise agreements as they were because the volume of paying passengers simply isn't there to move the financial risk back on the operators.
In the past few weeks, face coverings have now become compulsory on all public transport (with some exceptions), though many believe they should have been compulsory three months ago to stop the virus spread.
Most non-essential retail outlets (including newsagents) have now reopened as part of the process to get the economy moving, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed cinemas, museums and galleries and other establishments can reopen from July 4, along with a reduction of social distancing. This should be the catalyst for a return to train travel, too.
It should also see an end to the 'essential travel only' message that has been prevalent throughout this crisis, ending a slight grey area over just what was interpreted as essential.
In recent weeks, I have felt rail has lagged behind other transport sectors.
Peddling what was effectively a 'stay away' message was in contrast to some bus operators, which were welcoming passengers back with positive messages.
Even National Express had different seating and distancing options to rail so were able to carry more passengers than a 23-metre railway carriage!
With so few passengers over the past three months, train operators will face a tough job to overcome passenger disinclination to travel, especially if they've switched to car, bus or cycle. This is where thinking outside the box (using a well worn cliche) is needed.
For example, in France, in a bid to encourage train travel, regional operator TER is offering two million tickets under €10.
The UK should do something innovative too as it would help kick-start the leisure, tourism and hospitality industries - they desperately need it.
And let's not forget open access operators
Hull Trains and Grand Central, which suspended operations and furloughed staff, and had no Government support to run trains, unlike bus operators. Hopefully, the relaxing of distancing will allow them to restart.
Of concern, however, is increasing anecdotal evidence from some parts of the country indicating social distancing has brought an unexpected and unwelcome benefit in allowing passengers to travel for free.
Readers have reported a lack of on-board ticket checks or sales, some ticket offices have been closed, ticket machines are not working, ticket gates are left open and unmanned, with passengers told to use online methods.
However, with no one checking and passengers knowing there are no checks it's no surprise they've been taking advantage.
Changes in distancing rules should pave the way for many heritage railways in England to reopen, with those in Wales and Scotland soon following. Some railtour operators are preparing to restart, which is also welcome news.
Like many of you, after weeks oflockdown I am itching to travel on a train again, heritage and main line, albeit with a mask.
Being able to talk to other enthusiasts and friends face-to-face rather than by phone, email or video, will be a fillip for metal well-being, too.
Many heritage lines are still fighting for survival, with concerns remaining over the future viability of several.
Readers have made generous donations or bids for 'money-can't-buy' auction prizes as part of the survival process, but what they really need is visitors to flock back - and with reduced distancing and face coverings, this has become possible again as long as people are sensible.
If you are able to visit a heritage line, do so as soon as you can, but remain safe at all times.