RAIB makes nine recommendations in its report into the derailment and fire involving a tanker train at Llangennech on August 26 2020. These cover a review of the actions taken by the wagon owner following this and previous accidents, and improvements to maintenance processes. The manufacturer of some of the braking system components is recommended to undertake a review of their design. A recommendation has been made to organisations which carry out surveillance and certification of entities in charge of maintenance to review their processes. A further two recommendations have been made to improve the management of wagon maintenance, and to review systems used to alert traincrew, signallers and control offices to defects. The final recommendation is for a review of the arrangements for regulatory oversight of entities in charge of maintenance and certification bodies that are not based in the UK.
The Office of Rail & Road has authorised the placing in to service of 20 Class 197/0 two-car and 12 Class 197/1 three-car CAF diesel multiple-units ordered for Wales & Borders services.
Through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Nottingham Trent University, Van Elle is sponsoring a PhD project which aims to optimise its track bed stabilisation system to improve safety and reduce maintenance costs. The company is also investing in HVO fuelled road-rail vehicles, and plans to use of hydrogen RRVs in the future.
The Railway Industry Association has appointed Richard Carr as Business Engagement Manager for the North of England, supporting the roll out of its Nations & Regions network. Formerly Managing Director of rail equipment manufacturer Mechan, Carr is currently Industry & SME Engagement Manager for the Smart Rolling Stock Maintenance Research Facility at the University of Huddersfield.
LNER is inviting applications from people aged between 14 and 18 interested in participating in the second of its Tomorrow’s Talent work experience programme. Delivered in partnership with Springpod, this aims to showcase the variety of career opportunities in the rail industry with participants completing online modules on topics such as technology and sustainability. ‘Tomorrow’s Talent provides young people with a great opportunity to engage and hear from experts in a wide range of different roles, equipping them with important knowledge and insight as they begin to think about their future career journey’, said LNER Managing Director David Horne.
Chris Maxwell has joined Great Western Railway as Safety & Environment Director. He was previously Regional Leader for Environment, Health & Safety, Europe, at Boeing UK.
Network Rail has awarded James Troop & Co a £632 261 contract to supply 25 DH10A engine overhaul kits to support an ongoing project to overhaul its Multi Purpose Vehicle fleet.
SLC Rail has relocated from the Jewellery Quarter to Brindleyplace in Birmingham as part of plans to increase employee numbers by 25% by April. ‘Having this space will help us to attract new talent’, said Managing Director Ian Walters. ‘Having doorstep access to excellent amenities, gyms, bars and restaurants is a great way to encourage people back in the office, where real collaboration can happen.’
Oxford City Council’s planning unit has granted prior approval for the western entrance of Oxford station, designed by IDOM.
Telent and Global Reach Technology have completed the roll-out of free wi-fi at 19 stations managed by Network Rail.
Magtec has appointed Andrew Sloan, a former senior engineer in the Royal Navy submarine service, as Head of Engineering. The company has commissioned a 6 000 m2 facility in Rotherham to increase production of power trains for rail and other applications.
A passenger lounge has opened as part of a £14·5m redevelopment of Motherwell station, where work is underway to extend the forecourt and concourse.
Network Rail has awarded Journeycall a £3·8m contract to run a round-the-clock national call centre for external stakeholders, handling telephone calls, live chat, e-mails and letters, as well as managing Network Rail’s social media.
Transport for West Midlands has appointed Anne Shaw as its Executive Director after she led the organisation on an interim basis for the past six months. She will oversee major infrastructure projects as well as a further £1·3bn investment over the next five years.
