Network Rail has announced that every week key workers enable millions of tonnes of medical supplies, food/drinks, and consumer goods to be transported around Great Britain during the current pandemic crisis. This also includes up to 150,000 tonnes of freight that is moved by rail across the East Midlands.

In March, there was a reduced passenger timetable introduced so there is still a way for the keyworkers to get to work as well as allowing freight trains to operate.

Over 150,000 tonnes of freight per week is transported across the region, which includes, around 36,000 tonnes of fuel is transported in the East Midlands area. This keeps the economy supplied with fuel for cars, so key workers can get to their jobs. It also means supplies can be distributed on lorries to their final destination after being first moved by train.

The freight trains contain foods for supermarkets, as well as materials including sand, gravel and stone. They also carry medical supplies and stone from the quarries for the railway to lay new ballast during track maintenance work.

The public has made the trains a lot safer for the keyworkers by avoiding all non-essential travelling that was advised by the government.

What did the officials say?

Kevin Newman, Senior Route Freight Manager for Network Rail, said:

“The railway plays a crucial part in keeping Britain running, particularly in these challenging times. Our teams are working hard to keep lines open for key workers, enabling vital freight services to run to keep shelves stocked and deliver vital medical equipment and to keep power stations going.

Kevin Newman, Senior Route Freight Manager for Network Rail, said:

“The railway plays a crucial part in keeping Britain running, particularly in these challenging times. Our teams are working hard to keep lines open for key workers, as well as enabling more services to run to keep shelves stocked and deliver vital medical equipment and to keep power stations going.

“We’ve been able to meet the demand thanks to the dedication of our key workers at Network Rail who have continued to keep services moving, and with the help of passengers who have followed government advice to only travel when it is essential.

“We are continuing to work closely with the government and transport partners to keep the railways open and keep Britain moving.”

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