Breaking News
'Lack of interest' in rail franchises
Taxpayers could end up out of pocket because not enough companies want to bid to run rail franchises in England and Wales, a group of MPs warn.
Heathrow criticised over Crossrail levy plan [Subscription]
The rail regulator criticised Heathrow yesterday over plans to make Crossrail trains pay a huge levy to use track that the airport owns.
Scrapping air passenger tax in Wales would cost England's south west region millions, warns airport boss
Bristol Airport claims the abolition of APD in Wales would cost the South West economy £843m and more than 1,500 jobs
Crew shortages cause rail delays with service through Huddersfield badly hit
1.9m service disruptions logged last year
Transport for London misses out on South Western rail franchise
First South Western Trains Ltd and Stagecoach South West Limited are to battle it out for the South Western franchise
Friday, 12 February 2016
BBC News
- Train crew shortages causing delaysTrain crew shortages have caused almost one in 10 rail delays over the past few years, the BBC learns, with London Midland having one of the highest rates.
- Dublin Luas tram two-day strike beginsThousands of people who use the Luas tram service in Dublin are facing disruption as a two-day strike begins.
- 'Lack of interest' in rail franchisesTaxpayers could end up out of pocket because not enough companies want to bid to run rail franchises in England and Wales, a group of MPs warn.
The Guardian
- Rail franchising could cost more due to lack of competition, MPs sayPublic accounts committee warns that taxpayers may lose out because fewer companies are bidding to run train servicesBidding for rail franchises could soon shortchange the taxpayer because fewer firms are competing to run train services, a committee of MPs has warned. In a report into how the rail franchising system has recovered since the West Coast debacle at the Department for Transport in 2012, the public accounts committee (PAC) said there were still gaps in the department’s ability to manage the process effectively. Continue reading...
Times Online
- Whitehall ‘putting off bidders for railways’ [Subscription]Stifling micromanagement and the strategic incoherence of transport ministers and bureaucrats are deterring train operators from bidding for new rail franchises, a committee of MPs has concluded.
- Heathrow criticised over Crossrail levy plan [Subscription]The rail regulator criticised Heathrow yesterday over plans to make Crossrail trains pay a huge levy to use track that the airport owns.
Get West London
- Back Heathrow hope David Cameron will 'swipe right' on their Valentine's Day propositionPro-Heathrow expansion group sends Prime Minister a cheeky Valentine's message to the "commitment phobe" in the style of dating app Tinder
North Wales Live
- Bike & Go rail scheme hailed by TripAdvisor division Holiday Lettings praises bike hire operation in list of top seven operators
Other Regional Press
- Crew shortages cause rail delays with service through Huddersfield badly hit1.9m service disruptions logged last year
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
- Consultation to improve rail between Swindon and WestburyThe government is opening a consultation to the public for them to have an input on local rail services in Wiltshire. It is community groups and passengers who will have more say in aspects of design and the operation of their local rail services between Swindon and Westbury, according to the Department for Transport. The government is consulting on this 32-mile TransWilts line and plans to designate it as a community rail service. By doing this, the local community will be able to design train services to reflect the local demand, which the government hopes will translate to increased passeng...
Rail Magazine
- Government responds to HS2 property concernsGovernment responds to concerns raised by the House of Commons Select Committee regarding compensation for property owners affected by the construction of HS2.
- Women In Rail role models soughtWomen in Rail is searching for the Most Inspirational Women in Rail. It wants shortlist of 20 women who have made an outstanding impression on the industry.
- Class 385 route introduction plans revealedScotRail reveals which routes brand new Class 385s will be introduced, and when.
Rail Technology Magazine
- Cybersecurity Analysis-Cyber Security Services for Passenger and Freight Rail Applications Cybersecurity Analysis is a US-based consultancy providing standards-based cybersecurity services to agencies and organisations in the rail (freight and passenger), oil and gas, and pipeline sectors.
Railnews
- London Midland hires rolling stock to plug sports gap London Midland and Wasps RFC have announced a special train service for Coventry Arena on match days, using spot hired rolling stock. Coventry Arena station opened last month, but it was the subject of controversy because the new six-car platforms alongside the Ricoh Stadium also display notices warning that trains will not call before or after major events. However, London Midland has now arranged trial services using a six-car train on two match days.
Other News Sources
- Transport for London misses out on South Western rail franchiseFirst South Western Trains Ltd and Stagecoach South West Limited are to battle it out for the South Western franchise
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