On one section of the system, restoring even limited service has required workers to reach back in time, using a system to move trains that dates to the age of the telegraph.

WSJ: PATH's Road Back Is Rocky

The SFA was furious after the SPL announced a start date of 8 August and eventually convinced them to move it back a week in a bid to give Scotland more time to prepare for their 12 August World Cup qualifier in Norway.

BBC: SPL rules out winter break return

The EU working time directives could come in to effect in the UK in three years' time if they back the move.

BBC: EU threat to retained fire crews