After taking over the SWT franchise in 2017, South Western Railway (SWR) was plagued with union disputes and the longest rail strike in history. Unsurprisingly, the brand suffered, as long-suffering commuters raged on social media for the franchise to be revoked. 2020 was the year to turn this around, or risk face terminal cancellation.
But in March, following government advice to avoid public transport, passenger numbers dropped by 95%. Then the Department for Transport ordered all train companies to cease any marketing that promoted travelling.
It seemed like karma was coming at us fast.