Industry News
Alex Hynes appointed DfT’s director general for rail services
The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the appointment of Alex Hynes to the role of director general, Rail Services. Alex will join the DfT on a two-year secondment from his current position as managing director of Scotland’s Railway...
Rail News
Northern stations win big at Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards
Northern-managed stations have picked up top gongs at the Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards.
Alderley Edge won the top award, being named 'Cheshire Best Kept Station’ in 2023.
It follows praise for the station by the Royal Horticultural Society in October 2023 when...
Accessibility
ORR says passengers need improved reliability and real-time information for station lifts
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) will take a deeper look at Network Rail’s approach to planning and carrying out lift maintenance and repairs.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has today published its report reviewing the reliability...
Contract News
Stadler secures fleet acceptance for Greater Anglia trains
Thanks to effective partnership working with Greater Anglia and Rock Rail, Stadler has reached fleet acceptance for the 58 FLIRTs manufactured and supplied for the East Anglia network. The contract for 38 bi-mode and 20 electric trains was Stadler’s...
Industry News
Alstom plans to run new direct train services between North Wales, Shropshire, the Midlands and London
Alstom plans to operate a new passenger rail service across England and Wales. Working in partnership with consultancy SLC Rail, the open access operation will be known as Wrexham, Shropshire, and Midlands Railway (WSMR).
As the country’s foremost supplier of...
Rail News
Emergency anti-erosion work underway for Cumbrian viaduct
Passengers are being advised of urgent repair work on the railway viaduct over the River Derwent in Workington, Cumbria.
During a recent inspection, Network Rail’s engineers found that the base of two of the supporting pillars have started to erode....
People
ScotRail supports Scottish Apprenticeship Week with new recruits
ScotRail is showing its support for Scottish Apprenticeship Week by announcing more apprenticeship opportunities for young people in Scotland and championing the achievements of those already on an early careers’ pathway within the train operator.
New apprenticeships will be created...
Rail News
SWR reveals retro look for Class 455 train
South Western Railway (SWR) and special guest Francis Bourgeois have unveiled a retro look for a Class 455 London commuter train.
Class 455 trains are one of TikTok star Francis Bourgeois’ favourites, and the avid trainspotter was given a special...
Rail Business
MPs show cross-party support for rail freight growth ahead of General Election
Freight operators and their customers gathered with parliamentarians from across the political spectrum at the House of Commons on Tuesday evening (5 March) at the Rail Partners Freight Parliamentary Reception 2024, to discuss how politicians and industry can maximise...
Industry News
ORR green lights open access services between London and Stirling
The latest access decision by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) provides more services for rail passengers travelling between London and central Scotland.
ORR has today (7 March) given the go-ahead for Grand Union Trains, an open access operator,...
Latest News
ORR review leads to 50% reduction in maximum fees for ticket refunds
New rules will mean that from 2 April the maximum fee that train operators and ticket retailers can charge...