News

This morning the ORR published their latest statistical release on Passenger Rail Usage, covering Quarter 1 of 2020-21 (April to June 2020).

Four train firms, Great Northern, Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink, are working together with the British Transport Police as part of a new pilot in London to further encourage people to wear face coverings.

The Rail Delivery Group has announced changes to its leadership that will ensure the organisation is ready to support potential reforms stemming from the Williams Review into the future structure of the railway.

• Speaking at a virtual Labour Party Conference fringe event on rail and decarbonisation, a senior rail executive has warned that Britain is on the verge of a car-led recovery
• An economic recovery built on increased use of road vehicles would be devastating to the nation’s net zero carbon ambitions
• Increased investment in the railways and reform of rail fares as the country emerges from COVID can incentivise people to make greener choices, the rail industry says

Industry welcomes ongoing support to keep railway running for passengers and the end of the franchise system.

Rail companies are adding services to timetables as schools reopen and people increasingly return to workplaces.

With the Confederation of Passenger Transport, the Rail Delivery Group sent a letter to the Financial Times in response to an article about a London business advising employees to avoid public transport.

Responding to the Government's announcement of a new Acceleration Unit for transport infrastructure and investment in rail upgrades, Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions for the Rail Delivery Group which represents the rail industry said,

RPI inflation rose by 1.6% in July year on year, according to official figures published today. 

Yesterday (Wednesday 12 August) a train derailed near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Train companies have today called for a shakeup in transport tax policy to create a level green playing field where levies reflect how damaging a mode of transport is to the environment. This would enable Britain to build back better by encouraging a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, they say.

• With temperatures set to reach the mid-30s in parts of Britain towards the end of this week and into the weekend, the rail industry is working to keep passengers moving safely
• Passengers are being asked to plan ahead and continue to follow public health advice when travelling by rail – wear a face covering unless you are exempt, maintain a distance from others and travel at quieter times wherever possible
• Network Rail has activated its extreme weather action teams (EWATs) at hotspots across the country. Speed restrictions may be introduced at the hottest locations to keep services running as reliably as possible in extreme heat
• Train operators will have staff on hand to help and provide guidance through journey planners and social media