Rail passengers are being urged to plan their journeys in advance during essential track upgrades in Whitehaven this summer. Network Rail will replace railway lines and sleepers, track foundation stone (ballast) and drainage through the 1km long Bransty Tunnel which connects Whitehaven and Corkickle. In recent years the tunnel has been flooding with water containing […]
Category: Industry News
Voestalpine Railway Systems acquires Hird Rail Services
Voestalpine Railway Systems, part of leading steel and technology group Voestalpine and global leader in railway infrastructure solutions, has acquired 100% of the shares in Hird Rail Services Limited, based in Doncaster, UK. This acquisition strengthens Voestalpine Railway Systems strategic position in the UK market, particularly in the field of insulated joints, where Hird Rail […]
Government agrees landmark plans for direct trains to Germany
Millions of passengers could benefit from quicker and more convenient travel across Europe as the UK and Germany establish a joint taskforce to explore a new direct rail link between the two countries. The landmark partnership, agreed as part of a new Bilateral Treaty to be signed by the Prime Minister and Chancellor Merz on […]
Network Rail continues rollout of geofencing with Western route deployment
Network Rail’s Western route is the latest to deploy Tended’s geofencing technology, marking a significant step in the ongoing rollout of geospatial solutions to enhance operational safety and efficiency. The deployment will initially focus on OLE and off-track teams in Bristol, and a track team in Swindon, with the goal of mapping geofences to establish […]
Arriva signs €300 million contract for Czechia’s next-generation electric trains
Arriva Group has today signed a contract with Škoda for €300 million to supply new electric trains in Czech Republic, reinforcing the Group’s commitment to operating modern, sustainable and comfortable passenger transport across Europe. Under the agreement, Škoda will supply 22 modern electric trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 200km/h, helping Arriva deliver […]
EMR partners with charity to improve travel for autistic people
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has undertaken Autism Champions training in partnership with the National Autistic Society. This specialist programme equips selected staff with the knowledge and resources to deliver autism awareness workshops to colleagues across the organisation, with the goal of building understanding, breaking down barriers, and fostering a more supportive environment for autistic customers. […]
TPE and Network Rail team up to showcase opportunities for women
TransPennine Express (TPE) and Network Rail have spent two weeks showing a group of women who have taken a career break how a job in rail could be a good fit for them. Through a partnership with Women in Rail, ‘Never Mind the Gap’ provides training and work placements for women who want to ‘change […]
RSSB releases latest Annual Health and Safety Report
A new report by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) shows rail is still among the safest transport modes for passengers and goods. Amid economic challenges and industry changes, continued vigilance and focus on health and safety remain essential. RSSB launched the 2024-2025 Annual Health and Safety Report (AHSR) at its fifth annual Operations […]
Industry bodies urge action on Midland Main Line electrification ‘pause’
The Rail Forum (RF) and the Railway Industry Association (RIA) have today (14 July) written a joint letter to Rail Minister Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, responding to the Government’s decision announced last week to ‘pause’ the Midland Main Line electrification upgrade. The letter highlights that the choice to keep this key rail enhancement […]
Railway Industry Association celebrates 150 years
The Railway Industry Association (RIA) marked its 150th anniversary last night with a special celebration in London, bringing together its members and the wider railway industry, policy makers and influencers, key stakeholders, and communications and media professionals. Some 600 people attended the ‘RIA 150 Celebration’, hosted in partnership with Railway 200, to honour both the […]