TRAIN operators are running short on time to agree new contracts with the government as the coronavirus outbreak continues to drive down passenger numbers.
Under the Railways Act, the government will step in as the operator of last resort if the firms do not agree an extension to the deals.
However, due to the financial pressure caused by the coronavirus epidemic, the two firms are struggling to get bank guarantees they need to run the services, the
The outbreak has hammered the two firms, with
Both firms stressed that discussions with the government were ongoing, saying that the issues were industry wide.
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In the same vein, a Southeastern spokesperson said: "We are in the final stages of discussions with the
(c) 2020 City A.M., source