UK steps in to shore up railways from Covid-19 financial hit

The UK stepped in to shore up the country’s rail operators after Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned they face “tougher measures” to fight the coronavirus outbreak, including a potential lockdown if they continue to ignore calls to stop social gatherings.

The UK Department for Transport said it will take on the revenue and cost risk for the country’s rail services for six months, with operators continuing to manage day-to-day services for a “a small, predetermined management fee”.