Eurostar depot capacity increase to support cross-Channel competition
UK: A report has found that additional capacity could be provided at Temple Mills depot in London to support plans for new cross-Channel passenger services. However incumbent operator Eurostar says the options would not provide sufficient capacity to support even one operator’s plans without significant investment.
Machine learning keeps LNER trains moving
UK: Inter-city operator LNER is rolling out a machine learning-based tool which helps its station staff predict train delays and adapt the support they provide to more closely meet passenger needs.
Hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel DMU trial
UK: ScotRail is working with leasing company Angel Trains and fuel supplier Crown Oil to test the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil instead of diesel to power a Class 156 diesel multiple-unit.
Virgin seeks partners to launch cross-Channel train service
EUROPE: Virgin Group is seeking partners to invest in its planned launch of international high speed train services through the Channel Tunnel.
Class 175 DMUs to enter service with GWR this year
UK: The fleet of 10 two-car and 16 three-car Alstom Class 175 diesel multiple-units owned by Angel Trains and previously used by Transport for Wales until 2023 is to begin entering service with Great Western Railway in Devon and Cornwall later this year, with all expected to be operational from ...
CrossCountry ticketing contract to support ACE innovation
UK: CrossCountry has selected the Arriva Customer Engine platform to provide web and app journey planning, ticket sales and travel information services including live travel updates.
CrossCountry Class 170 DMUs evolve
UK: Arriva TrainCare’s Crewe depot has completed work on the first of 29 Class 170 diesel multiple-units operated by CrossCountry which are to be refurbished by 2028.
Cycle train enters service on the Heart of Wales line
UK: Transport for Wales has returned to service the first of six Class 153 single-car diesel multiple-units which are being refurbished to carry bicycles.
Spring has sprung for GWR passengers
UK: A new design of seat cushion incorporating small metal springs instead of foam is to be fitted in the first class area of a Great Western Railway Class 166 diesel multiple-unit this month, with roll-out across the rest of the class planned.
ScotRail launches Tap&Pay ticketing app
UK: Following a six-month pilot scheme, ScotRail has launched a Tap&Pay pay-as-you-go ticketing app developed by Tracsis Rail Technology & Services using its Hopsta platform.
Simulators to transform traincrew training
UK: Northern has taken delivery of a prototype of the semi-immersive static cab simulators it has ordered as part of a ‘major transformation’ of its training which aims to speed up the time it takes for traincrew to achieve their rolling stock and route competence.