Rail Contractors

Todays news that Network Rail is starting to take track maintenance back inhouse is very welcome. News that one of its major contractors, Jarvis, falsified documents relating to rail upgrade work is certainly worrying, and Network Rail is right to want to reassert control at a time when confidence in the rail network is low.

There is also news that the RMT Union balloting for strike action on the tube over safety concerns. The RMT wants regular, 24 hour track inspections of all Tube track after this weeks incidents on the Piccadilly, Northern and Victoria lines.

For once I find myself sympathising with the RMT. These incidents have shaken a lot of peoples confidence in the safety of rail and Tube travel. When it comes down to it, RMT members are the ones driving the trains and if there was an accident, their members lives would be at risk as well as the publics.

No one should have to risk their lives just so a private contractor can save a few quid by doing a botched job.