Chamberlain Authors Article for ‘Rail Magazine’ on COVID’s Impact

London Partner Jason Chamberlain authored an article in the Sept. 9 edition of Rail Magazine  regarding the opportunities presented to the government by the COVID-19 pandemic to move toward a “different type of railway.” The railways have long been considered part of the social contract between the government and the people. But under the shadow of COVID-19, is that contract about to be re-written? Government guidance to avoid using public transport and the increased number of employees given the option to work from home “has resulted in a perfect storm of £900 million of government expenditure per month to continue running largely empty trains around, with little fares revenue to offset that.” So when Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps refers to the “significant opportunities” resulting from the pandemic to move toward a “different type of railway,” Chamberlain questions whether he may be signaling the opportunity to address the state’s relationship with the railways once and for all.