HSRG calls for seven improvements to the UK’s rail network
The High Speed Rail Group (HSRG) has shared the seven key rail improvements it thinks are urgently needed to support growth between the four nations of the United Kingdom.
List view / Grid view
Rail News
HS2 begins search for switches and crossings suppliers
HS2 Ltd has begun the search for suppliers to provide switches and crossings for the 280km of new high-speed track between London, Birmingham and the connection with the existing west coast mainline at Crewe.
UK Department for Transport delays rail fare rise until March 2021
The Department for Transport (DfT) will delay the normal annual January change to rail fares until 1 March 2021, offering a significant window for commuters who cannot work at home to purchase cheaper season tickets at the existing rate and allowing greater flexibility in uncertain times.
Hitachi and Eversholt Rail to develop GWR intercity battery hybrid train
In a UK-first, Hitachi Rail and Eversholt Rail have signed an agreement aimed at bringing battery power – and fuel savings of more than 20 per cent – to the modern Great Western Railway Intercity Express Trains that carry passengers between Penzance and London.
HS2 supporting deferred university students following COVID-19 pandemic
HS2 is inviting 30 students who have deferred their university place to join the organisation for a one-week virtual work experience placement.
Extensive technology upgrades undertaken by Greater Anglia
Upgrades include better Wi-Fi, train information and security, with Greater Anglia replacing old and installing brand new, state-of-the-art equipment.
DfT and FirstGroup reach agreement on future of SWR and Avanti
The agreement with DfT has outlined that FirstGroup will not be required pay a pre-existing franchise agreement termination sum for Avanti, but must pay a contribution of £33.2 million for SWR.
ORR report finds that Network Rail performed positively despite COVID-19
ORR has praised Network Rail for its performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, but has outlined that efforts need to improve in the North West.
UK rail freight to play a significant role in delivering goods during Christmas period
Figures have shown that the UK rail freight network will play a vital role during Christmas 2020, with freight trains transporting more than 1.6 million tonnes of intermodal goods on almost 3,700 trains in November 2020 alone.
HS2 trials ultra-low emission technology on construction sites
The OakTec Clean Air Gas Engine (CAGE) project trial has begun on HS2’s construction site near Euston station.
HS2 direct rail service to Cumbria supports Lake District tourism
HS2 will offer some of the lowest carbon emissions per passenger kilometre - seven times less than passenger cars and 17 times less than domestic air travel.
First two tunnel boring machines arrive in UK for HS2
The two 170m-long TBMs – the largest ever used on a UK rail project - will start to be assembled on site ready to begin digging the 10-mile-long Chiltern tunnels.
Rail companies working to deliver UK government’s Christmas travel plan
With passengers facing a limited five day travel window for Christmas, UK rail companies are working to make travel as smooth and safe as possible.
UK government implements new measures to support travel over the Christmas period
To ensure safe travel for passengers during the UK Christmas travel window, the government has outlined a range of new measures for transport, including enhancing rail services, postponing and accelerating rail engineering works and cutting ticket charges.
Claire Mann appointed as Managing Director of South Western Railway
Claire brings more than two decades of experience to her new role, which she is due to begin on 4 January 2021.