New course in Great Britain: Return to nationalize the railway?
New course in Great Britain: Return to nationalize the railway?
The British government plans to partially transfer the railway back into government property. Transport Minister Louise Haigh has announced a decisive coordination in the London Parliament today, which is intended to decide on a law that enables this step. The draft law stipulates that private railway companies leave the company as soon as their existing contracts expire or an agreed termination clause comes into force.
Currently there are 28 different railway companies in the United Kingdom, which are usually responsible for certain regional routes. The criticism of rail traffic has increased in recent years, since there have been repeated losses, delays and high ticket prices in the spotlight. Strikes have also paralyzed rail traffic in the past, which has reinforced the dissatisfaction of the travelers. Unions accuse private rail providers of exploiting their employees, while the profits largely benefit managers and shareholders.
Construction of the State Group Great British Railway
It is not the first time that England is considering such a step towards nationalization of rail traffic. After the Second World War, the four large railway companies were summarized in the State Group British Railways. But in the 1980s, under the conservative government of Margaret Thatcher, there was a comprehensive privatization that led to the breakdown and splitting of the group.
In comparison, the situation in Germany is almost opposite. Here the Deutsche Bahn, the largest provider, is completely organized by the federal government and as a stock corporation. It is not only responsible for rail operations, but also for most of the ramshackle network in many areas. As in Great Britain, it is often complained about train failures and delays in Germany, which always makes the demand for a separation of network and operation loud.
The debates about railway policy are characterized by emotional considerations, both in Great Britain and in Germany. While the British government sees the return to the nationalization of the railway as a solution to the current problems, there are both supporters and critics of the German railway to be broken down in Germany. The developments in both countries could have far -reaching consequences for the future of rail transport in Europe.
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