Train operators launch joint innovation programme
UK: Four train operators are to run a joint programme giving technology companies the opportunity to demonstrate AI, telecoms, quantum and other innovations in a real-world rail environment.
Avanti West Coast says Superfares have brought modal shift
UK: Avanti West Coast has expanded the availability of its Superfare tickets to 10 more destinations, saying the cheaper tickets have encouraged modal shift.
CrossCountry DMU maintenance contract signed
UK: CrossCountry has awarded West Midlands Trains a long-term contract to continue to maintain the long-distance operator’s Class 170 diesel multiple-unit fleet at Tyseley depot in Birmingham until 2031.
£10m Class 375 refresh completed
UK: Southeastern has completed the refurbishment of the 112 Class 375 Electrostar EMUs it leases from Eversholt Rail.
Doopee Doo offers rewards to incentivise use of trains and local businesses
UK: Doopee Doo is working with Transport for Wales to roll out a reward scheme which is designed to encourage people to explore by train and to incentivise support for local businesses.
Variable rate sanding equipment deployed on DMU fleet
UK: In response to the collision which resulted from low rail adhesion at Salisbury Tunnel Junction in October 2021, all of South Western Railway’s Class 158 and 159 diesel multiple-units have now been fitted with Variable Rate Sanding equipment supplied by Siemens Mobility.
Accessibility options added to Southeastern journey planner
UK: Southeastern has added features to its app and online journey planner which are designed to make it easier to plan accessible journeys.
Greater Anglia offers industrial placement scheme for third year students
UK: Greater Anglia is offering paid industrial placements providing students practical experience in the field they are studying in across eight departments ranging from HR and marketing to IT and asset management.
Dublin – Belfast electric-battery trains funded
EUROPE: Funding is now in place for the procurement of electric-battery inter-city trains to increase frequencies and reduce journey times on the cross-border Enterprise service between Dublin and Belfast which is operated jointly by Iarnród Éireann and Northern Ireland Railways.
Request to Stop button ready for trial at Welsh stations
UK: Transport for Wales is to trial a prototype Request to Stop system incorporating train running information and a button which passengers arriving at station can push to alert the driver of the next train to the need to call at a request stop. This removes the need for passengers ...
Separate MDs appointed for Network Rail Scotland and ScotRail
UK: Separate Managing Directors have been appointed for infrastructure manager Network Rail in Scotland and for passenger train operator ScotRail, though the organisations have stressed their commitment to the current alliance model of close co-operation.