Grand Central applies to extend track access rights to 2038
UK: Open access operator Grand Central has formerly applied to industry regulator the Office for Rail & Road to extend its current track access rights which run to 2027 until 2038 to ensure its long-term future.
London Overground line branding roll-out begins
UK: Transport for London began rolling out new line names and colours on the London Overground network on November 20. This will replace the previous system where the various routes on the complex inner-suburban rail network were not distinguished with individual branding.
‘Turning point’ reached for potential new Channel Tunnel train operators
EUROPE: The rail industry has finally reached a ‘turning point’ which will facilitate the launch of new international passenger train operators competing with Eurostar on routes to the UK.
3D digital maps designed to help people navigate stations
UK: Govia Thameslink Railway is testing digital 3D maps designed to help passengers, and particularly those who are disabled, gain more confidence in navigating its stations.
Rail industry shares cybersecurity best practice
UK: ‘Don’t plan for if, plan for when’ a cyber threat will emerge, Rail Safety & Standards Board Chief Executive Mark Philips told more than 100 delegates at a conference to discuss cyber-resilience in the rail industry,
Avanti West Coast increases Liverpool – London services with launch of electric Evero trains
UK: Avanti West Coast officially launched the Class 807 electric only-version of its Hitachi-built Evero trainsets into service on November 11. This enables the operator to offer an additional weekday return service between Liverpool Lime Street and London Euston.
Remote condition monitoring boosts Northern DMU reliability
UK: A programme to fit engine remote condition monitoring to Northern’s Class 170 Turbostar diesel multiple-unit fleet has been completed. Leasing company Porterbrook says its data showed that moving just one task to condition-based maintenance can save up to 1 500 labour-hours per year.
Trial suggests batteries could reduce inter-city train fuel costs by up to 50%
UK: Trials with an inter-city electro-diesel trainset retrofitted with a traction battery in place of one of its engines achieved fuel cost savings of 35% to 50%, surpassing predictions of up to 30%, while meeting performance requirements and supporting zero-emission operation around stations.
Talerddig collision DMU had blocked sanding hoses, says RAIB
UK: The sanding hoses on the leading vehicle of the Transport for Wales Class 158 diesel multiple-unit which passed through the passing loop at Talerddig and collided with an oncoming train were blocked and unable to discharge sand, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has said.
Earlier boarding trial aims to improve London Euston passenger experience
UK: Earlier boarding of Avanti West Coast and London Northwestern Railway services from London Euston station is being trialled. This is part of an effort to improve the passenger experience by reducing the rush from the concourse which can occur when the departure platform is announced only shortly before departure.
Neurodiverse thinkers cut train operator’s fuel bills
UK: Northern has worked with data scientists to calculate the most fuel efficient way of driving its diesel multiple-units while keeping to time.