Transportinfo.org.uk - today's transport news in the uk, hand picked for you each morning

Tuesday, 23 April 2024

BBC News

• Rail strikes announced for May Bank Holiday weekTrain drivers will stage walks-out between 7 and 9 May while overtime bans will disrupt services.

The Guardian

• Aslef drivers to hold more train strikes in early MayTrain drivers will strike again in early May in a series of rolling 24-hour walkouts that will bring many services around Great Britain to a halt.

The Herald

• Green members want 'transformational' rail travelMinisters are being urged by Green activists to support a £22billion long term investment in rail infrastructure as they consider whether their party should remain in the Scottish Government.

Network Rail

• Good to grow: Network Rail chair Lord Peter Hendy marks new partnership at West Midlands High SchoolNetwork Rail's Lord Peter Hendy joined Central route director Denise Wetton, with staff and students from Woodrush Academy and The Tree Council, to plant new trees in the school's grounds as part of a new collaborative partnership.

Northern Echo

• Green Party mayoral candidate on Newton Aycliffe Hitachi crisisThe Green Party mayoral candidate Andrew Gray has given his opinion on the Newton Aycliffe Hitachi crisis.

Other Regional Press

• Watford's busiest trains to get more capacity from JuneRail bosses have committed to running longer trains through Watford from June to ease the commuter squeeze.

Train Operators

• “97% of passengers are with us on this issue” says Northern as train operator releases annual fare dodging statisticsNorthern says 97% of its passengers are ‘with us’ when it comes to tackling the issue of fare dodgers on its network as it released the annual figures from its Debt Recovery and Prosecutions Unit.

Rail Advent

• New rail freight safety product tested in the Black CountryBCIMO used to gather data on product to improve rail freight safety.

Rail Magazine

• Elizabeth line ‘345s’ offer a lifeline for Derby WorksAlstom's Derby works could be saved by an order for ten Class 345 nine-car electric multiple units (EMUs) for the Elizabeth line - but only if the ‘price is right’.

Rail Technology Magazine

• Southeastern completes £10 million fleet upgradeOne of Southeastern’s largest train fleets has received a series of upgrades and improvements which will provide a better passenger experience on a number of routes.

Railtech

• Eleventh hour reprieve for Alstom at Derby?Litchurch Lane. It’s an address that is synonymous with UK train manufacturing. However, the famous railway works in the city of Derby are facing ultimate closure. The order book has run dry, and the current owners, Alstom, have been preparing to lay off the remainder of the 3000 workforce. There could however be a last-minute reprieve. Details have emerged that the UK government could be on the brink of placing a life-saving order.

Other News Sources

• Siemens submits £100m Wiltshire facility plansSiemens has submitted plans for a new £100m rail infrastructure manufacturing, digital engineering and research and development (R&D) facility in Wiltshire.
• How data keeps Britain’s trains on trackIn this week’s Computer Weekly, we find out how Network Rail is ensuring train safety in the face of extreme weather thanks to advanced data analytics
• Brand new trains have been launched on the Ebbw ValeBrand new trains have been launched on the Ebbw Vale line from this week (Monday 22 April) offering customers a more comfortable and reliable experience.

News from Europe

• ‘Smooch cabins’: German trains will soon have private cabins with frosted glassState operator Deutsche Bahn will also allow passengers to reserve seats with ‘digital towels’
• Malaga to Marbella: New train line proposed for Spanish coast linking seaside citiesThe extension would make it easier to explore more of the sun-drenched coastline loved by tourists.