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Brits lead the way in choosing train over plane for long-distance travel
Brits are leading the way when it comes to choosing train over plane for long-distance travel, new polling has found.
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UK government to take over operating TransPennine Express
The Department for Transport will appoint its Operator of Last Resort to take over delivery of passenger services on the TPE network from 28 May 2023.
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FirstGroup confirm West Coast Partnership contract extension
Comprising operation of Avanti West Coast, the contract extension will now run until the end of March 2023.
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FirstGroup signs NRCs for South Western Railway and TransPennine Express
FirstGroup has agreed with the Department for Transport two National Rail Contracts for the SWR and TPE train operating companies, with a primary term of two years.
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Setting a new benchmark for passenger connectivity with 5G mmWave technology
FirstGroup have successfully completed a trial of the ‘rail 5G’ gigabit track to train solution on the Isle of Wight, paving the way for full commercial deployment on Britain’s busiest railway. For Global Railway Review, Simon Holmes, FirstGroup’s Head of Engineering Digital Communications and Managing Director of Evo-rail (a FirstGroup…
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FirstGroup to set science-based target for net zero emissions by 2050
FirstGroup has become the first transport operator in the UK to commit to setting such an ambitious net zero by 2050 or earlier emissions target.
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‘rail-5G’ to be rolled out on part of the South Western Railway network
The 'rail-5G' solution offers a unique opportunity to improve connectivity for rail infrastructure and customers, greatly enhancing the customer experience.
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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.
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UK government ends rail franchising in bid to connect fragmented network
As part of its efforts to connect the UK's fragmented rail network and support operators through COVID-19, the UK government has begun the process to end railway franchising.
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South Western Railway’s flagship £60m depot enters next phase of construction
Engineering works at South Western Railway’s (SWR) flagship £60 million Feltham depot have entered the next major phase ahead of the Class 701 train roll-out.
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Accessibility campaign for public transport launched by UK government
The 'it's everyone's journey' campaign will work to raise awareness for passengers with disabilities and encourage better accessibility on public transport.
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Avanti West Coast franchise to be maintained by Bombardier
The contract will include a refresh programme and maintenance of 20 Bombardier Class 221 DEMU trains for the Avanti West Coast mainline services.
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Hitachi Rail chosen to build new InterCity trains for Avanti West Coast
First Trenitalia has awarded British-based train manufacturer Hitachi Rail a contract worth more than £350 million to provide and maintain 23 new InterCity trains for Avanti West Coast services.
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Avanti West Coast train services officially launched in the UK
The new West Coast Partnership between FirstGroup and Trenitalia will bring a package of improvements for passengers, including new and refurbished trains, better stations and simplified fares.
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Avanti West Coast revealed as name for new InterCity West Coast rail franchise
FirstGroup and Trenitalia have unveiled that Avanti West Coast will be the name of the new InterCity West Coast rail franchise in the UK, heralding a new era of innovative high-speed rail services.