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<p>Unlike franchised passenger services, Open Access Operators run services without
a contractual relationship with Government and there is no obligation on the Secretary
of State under Section 30 of the Railways Act to run those services. Open access operators
were therefore not offered Emergency Recovery Measures Agreements (ERMAs). However,
during the COVID-19 outbreak, Open Access Operators have drawn upon business support
measures such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Other substantial measures,
including the Covid Corporate Financing Facility, have also been put in place. Government
also provided support for more bespoke measures, such as applications for extensions
to track access contracts and deferrals of payments to the British Transport Police.
We will continue to engage closely with Open Access Operators as they respond to the
current situation, including highlighting the support available through the recently
announced Job Support Scheme.</p><p> </p>
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