THE RMT rail union is to kick off a series of fresh protests as part of its campaign for a publicly owned ‘People’s Railway’ in the North.

The union is opposing the re-franchising process for the Northern Rail and TransPennine Express rail franchises.

It claims both franchises have “creamed off” almost £400m to shareholders which could have been used to cut fares and pay for new trains and more staff

RMT members will be postcarding and leafleting members of the public at Newcastle Central Station on Monday April 27 and again on Tuesday May 5, two days before the General Election vote.

Its General Secretary Mick Cash said: “In this final push in the run up to polling day we intend to ensure that the carve-up of rail services in the North remains a major issue in this election.”

The RMT says rail services in the North should be overseen by communities and councils instead of private and foreign companies.

To sign its petition calling for a publicly owned railway in the North visit http://tinyurl.com/p8wm29c

: RMT members are being balloted for a strike action in a dispute over pay at Network Rail . The union says a one-off, non-consolidated lump sum payment being offered to staff this year is “wholly inadequate” and fails to recognise the massive pressures staff are working under.