The Railway Industry Association (RIA) has published a new discussion paper which sets out a place-based approach for delivering better stations across the nations and regions of the UK. The paper, ‘Stations: Engines of Communities’, calls for a new private and public approach to station development to fully realise the economic and social value of […]
Category: UK
ORR says capacity can be made available at Eurostar depot
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) says Eurostar’s London depot would be able if required to accommodate additional trains, following its receipt of an independent report it commissioned to investigate the matter. The report, published today, assessed the capacity at the operator’s Temple Mills International facility. The rail regulator added that changes to operational […]
Network Rail and partners trial revolutionary approach aerial operations
Network Rail and partners Drone Major Limited and Dronecloud have begun trials of “beyond visual line of sight” aerial operations on the railway to test a concept that could bring major improvements for passengers and rail freight customers. Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drones have the technology to cover many more miles of track […]
Arup SYSTRA JV secures prestigious Network Rail contract
Arup and SYSTRA, in a 50/50 joint venture (JV) with strategic delivery partner Skanska, have secured a position on Network Rail’s prestigious Eastern Region Development and Design Partnership Framework (DDPF). The £300 million framework, which spans five years with potential for a three-year extension, will oversee multi-disciplinary design and development services, including the Northern Powerhouse […]
New report highlights ScotRail’s £4 billion contribution to Scotland
Ahead of the third anniversary of ScotRail’s return to public ownership, a new report by Steer – a transport and infrastructure consultancy – has revealed ScotRail’s £4 billion contribution to Scotland’s economy. The independent analysis outlines the train operator’s contribution to supporting jobs, driving regional growth, and making Scotland’s society and economy greener. The findings […]
Reading station turns 185-years-old
Reading station turned 185-years-old on Friday 29 March, having opened its doors in 1840 as a temporary terminus for Brunel’s Great Western Railway while engineers continued building the line to Bristol, the eventual final stop on the line. In marking its 185th year, Reading station has much to celebrate. Since the launch of Network Rail’s […]
Network Rail boss Sir Andrew Haines announces retirement
Sir Andrew Haines, chief executive of Network Rail, has advised the board that he has decided to retire from the company in October 2025. Sir Andrew Haines joined Network Rail in August 2018. During his seven years as chief executive, Andrew has maintained a relentless focus on putting passengers first to make Network Rail a […]
Journey changes between Birmingham and London Marylebone this weekend
Passengers planning to travel between Birmingham and London Marylebone this weekend are being warned of changes to services while engineering upgrades take place. The work, which will help provide better and more reliable journeys for passengers and freight services, means the railway will be closed at certain locations along the Chiltern main line on Saturday […]
Lancashire trial aims to increase travel confidence of older and disabled passengers
A trial set to take place in Lancashire aims to bring greater confidence to older and disabled people who use the rail network across the North of England. In April, the train operator Northern will test a new scheme that enables people on its services between Preston and Colne to alert the conductor of their […]