The leader of Network Rail‘s “Backbone of Britain” has said that the railway us vital for Britain’s coronavirus response.

The North West and Central Region is the Backbone of Britain. It runs from London Euston and London Marylebone through the Chilterns, West Midlands, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Lancashire and Cumbria to Glasgow.

It includes Europe’s busiest mixed-use (passenger and freight) railway, the West Coast Main Line.

This response has come on the day that train operators around the country have reduced train services due to demand and to keep key workers moving.

What did the officials say?

Tim Shoveller, managing director of the North West and Central (NW&C) region, said:

Our role in Britain’s Coronavirus response is clear – to keep key workers, including in the NHS and emergency services, as well as food, fuel and medicine moving safely as together we rise to this challenge,”

“We are planning carefully and supporting our railway colleagues, especially those in critical frontline roles, as we all work together to support Britain in its hour of need,”

“The West Coast main line is the Backbone of Britain, the artery connecting London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow. We must keep it open to ensure vital supplies and key workers get where they’re needed. And that is what we will do.”

“I’d like to publicly thank all Network Rail staff and wider rail industry colleagues for the hard work you’re each putting in to keep the railway open for passengers and freight at this hugely challenging time.” 

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