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Southeastern franchise has been extended to April 2020
The UK government has revealed it has cancelled the competition for the next Southeastern rail franchise citing the Williams Review which is due to be published in the autumn.
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Franchising
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Britain’s rail franchising system no longer delivers clear benefits, says Rail Review Chair
Keith Williams, the independent Chair of the first ‘root and branch’ Rail Review to be supported by UK government, has stated in an Address that Britain’s rail franchising system cannot continue in the way it is now.
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Is it time to rethink the structure of how Britain’s railways operate?
Reflecting on the recent difficult times for Britain’s railways, Darren Shirley, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, explores the opportunities that could lead from the governments ‘root and branch’ review of rail, the implications of Brexit and recognising that the most important part of the railway is its passengers.
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Renfe has received a UK pre-qualification passport
The PQQ passport allows Renfe to express an interest for any future franchise competition in the most competitive market in Europe…
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West Midlands Councils bring in era of better trains and services
The management of the West Midlands network has been put into local hands. Consequently, more frequent services, better trains and extra seats are being implemented…
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Evolution of rail franchising forms part of UK government’s new ‘strategic vision for rail’
The UK’s Transport Secretary Chris Grayling today (29 November 2017) has set out a new vision for Britain’s railways, including plans to end the operational divide between track and train and an evolution of the franchising system.
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The past, present and future of Europe’s rolling stock
From Latvia to London, Global Railway Review’s contributor, Graham Ellis, has been looking at some of Europe’s oldest and newest rolling stock.
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West Midlands Trains Ltd orders new trains worth £680 million
A £680 million order for new trains has been made by West Midlands Trains Ltd for when it takes over the West Midlands Rail franchise in December 2017.
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South Western Railway – The journey starts here
On 20 August 2017, South Western Railway began its operations. We speak to the new franchise about its brand-new fleet of trains and its timetable proposals as well its Station Travel Plans and what it has in the pipeline to provide its passengers with a positive travel experience.
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New Intercity Express trains launched
Great Western Railway’s brand new Intercity Express Train has carried passengers for the first time, marking the next stage in the biggest fleet upgrade on the Great Western in 40 years.
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What is the future of transport in the north?
23 August 2017 | By
With a Transport Summit being called in Leeds for a discussion into transport for the north of England (with both government and business representatives expected to attend), Global Railway Review delves deeper into some of the issues that may be raised.
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South Western Railway begins operations
Rail passengers in London and the south of England will now be served by a new operator – South Western Railway (SWR).
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Department for Transport announces the winner of the West Midlands franchise
The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that West Midlands Trains Ltd (a joint venture between Abellio, East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui & Co Ltd) is to run the West Midlands franchise.
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Arriva retains ‘Northern Lines’ contract in the Netherlands
Arriva has announced that it will operate the regional rail transport in the north of the Netherlands for another 15 years.
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The challenges of rail franchising
23 May 2017 | By Stephen Joseph, Chief Executive, Campaign for Better Transport
Stephen Joseph at Campaign for Better Transport discusses challenges faced in rail franchising and research CfBT has undertaken on this.