LNER has introduced one-way Advance tickets for the first time on 196 journey combinations, including some shorter-distance journeys. The operator is reviewing data from the separate trial of single-leg pricing between London King’s Cross and Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh which began in January 2020 as a pilot for possible wider rail ticketing reforms.
HS2 Ltd and the Civil Engineering Contractors Association have signed a Partnership Agreement committing to work together to improve delivery practices and performance, and to ensure forward visibility of investment for CECA members and help identify early stage opportunities to improve safety, customer service, and supply chain engagement.
Northern has completed a £17m project to install 621 Flowbird Transport Intelligence touch-screen ticket machines at 420 stations. ‘Our new machines provide more options and have greatly improved facilities for our customers, particularly at unstaffed stations’, said Commercial & Customer Director Mark Powles. ‘The full touchscreen design is modern and intuitive and has a number of features which means it is accessible for disabled customers too.’
Sunbelt Rentals’ rail business has invested £850 000 in Trime and PELI mains or battery powered lighting equipment for hiring to contractors for use at work sites. ‘The environmental impact of running diesel lights all night on large-scale sites is no longer sustainable’, said Director of Rail Ross Gibbons. ‘It’s not just about carbon emissions; Network Rail’s lineside neighbours are also very important to us and by using mains power, we’re reducing the noise and light pollution. Our latest investment will provide contractors with significant environmental and financial benefits over traditional lighting solutions. The units offer crisp, clear light, with zero fuel costs, lower emissions, longer running times as well as a range of additional benefits.’
The process of appointing a Chair of Transport for the North has begun, after John Cridland announced his intention to retire with effect from its annual meeting in July.
Karen Heppenstall has joined sub-national transport body Midlands Connect as Head of Rail. She has held previous roles at engineering consultancy WSP, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Network Rail. ‘This is such an exciting time to be working in the rail industry, and I’m thrilled to be joining such an ambitious and forward-thinking organisation as Midlands Connect’, she said. ‘The release of the Integrated Rail Plan this spring will be a critical moment; outlining government’s shortlist of regional rail investments for the next three decades. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and our partners to deliver a more sustainable, connected and productive rail network for our region.’
Pandrol UK has signed the Unite union’s Unity Over Division charter to tackle racism and intolerance. ‘Continuing to develop a more inclusive and diverse workplace is a key goal for Pandrol’, said Alison Hunt, Pandrol Human Resources Manager, UK. ‘Signing this agreement builds upon our existing commitment to providing an ethical workplace and signals our intent to ensure we protect all of our workforce from any form of discrimination.’
