Written as the editorial introduction to the April 2020 issue of The Railway Magazine by Chris Milner, this piece reflects on the early impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the railway industry, heritage railways and wider society. It captures the uncertainty of the moment as rail services, events and preservation projects began to feel the immediate effects of the crisis.
The rapid spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus) around the world, said to be the worst public health crisis for a generation, has shocked everyone. Its spread shows how easy it is in an age of fast international travel for a pandemic to develop.
The real depth of the impact was beginning to be felt as The RM April issue closed for press, but the ramifications of the disease will ripple through society for many months, possibly years.
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Planned events and galas over the spring, income for which the heritage railway sector rely heavily upon, have been wiped from the calendar so as not to spread the disease further. These are unprecedented and worrying times, and many heritage lines and museums will be left fighting for their very existence.
Despite a package of Government aid – which is admirable and a big help – it’s only for three months, and no one yet knows just how badly – or for how long – the virus will impact the UK.
Not wishing to be the harbinger of doom, but some businesses may not survive the dwindling cash flows, but I’d like to be optimistic and think the majority will survive.
Many heritage lines have paid staff who will have job concerns, but large numbers of attractions are staffed and run by volunteers, many of whom are more than 70 and fall into the vulnerable category, everything must be done to protect their health and well-being during the outbreak.
For large numbers, this virus will involve many weeks of self-isolation which will be really tough on them. If you know such people, don’t ignore them – call them and chat regularly, keep their spirits up, as maintaining a good mental health is also vital.
Closing lines with the result of no income will also hit preservation projects, and while there may be no work taking place, this is an ideal time as an RM reader offer some financial support. Your donation, whatever the size, or in lieu of ticket money you have spent, will be most welcome.
Railtour companies also face an uncertain future, as do specialist railway holiday operators, which work with a small staff and to tiny profit margins.
There will be an impact on the supply chains, caterers, hotels and guest houses, restaurants, skilled engineering outlets – the economic impact of Covid-19 will be widespread and deeply felt.
Because of the social isolation aspect, there could even be a bonanza for mail order businesses, such as booksellers and model railway shops, as people find ways to occupy themselves.
On the national network, the downturn has been enormous too, with stations and many trains notably quieter. TOCs that have budgeted their business based specific income plans have seen empty trains as the public are told to stay at home, and from March 23, emergency timetables were introduced, substantially cutting services. The Government had taken the strategic decision to suspend franchises and manage the network for the next six months.
Staff working for passenger and freight companies, the latter helping to keep the shops stocked, have been designated key workers, and rightly so. Everyone working in the rail industry, whatever their job, deserves our admiration and respect for keeping the wheels rolling – and extra cleaning taking place, too.
As far as The RM is concerned, the magazine has been produced by staff working from home for many years, each of us linked via the internet and to our Lincolnshire HQ. We plan to continue this.
To ensure both continuity and safety, the editorial team and myself have entered a level of isolation for several weeks. While we will endeavour to bring you a mix of news and features, there will be some inevitable changes, such as no meetings pages because all meetings have been cancelled, and no railtours or events listings, as these are also cancelled. They will return when the situation becomes more normalised.
No one knows how long this pandemic will last, what the longer lasting effects will be, nor the impact in both business or human terms.
It is a worrying time for everyone.
In the meantime, remain safe, practise social distancing, listen to the latest advice and look after those nearest and dearest to you.
This article is available to subscribers of The Railway Magazine, along with every article from issues dating back to the 1800s! To subscribe, visit https://www.classicmagazines.co.uk/the-railway-magazine
