SPL Powerlines UK is proud to announce a milestone in its continued growth and transformation with the promotion of three key members of its senior leadership team. With effective date 1 June 2025, Lee Pounder has been appointed regional managing director – Scotland & Ireland, Steve McWhan becomes regional managing director – England & Wales, […]
Category: Industry News
Hitachi Rail and partners launch Europe’s first automated freight locomotive
Together with DB Cargo and other partners, Hitachi Rail is setting a new benchmark for the future of European rail freight: for the first time, a DB Cargo locomotive has been equipped with state-of-the-art Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Remote Train Operation (RTO) technology — a milestone on the path toward an automated, connected, and […]
The Rail Ombudsman launches new website to improve experience for all users
The Rail Ombudsman, part of The Ombuds Group has unveiled its newly redesigned website to better serve users. Created with development support from cloud-based software platform Tizo, the updated site offers a more accessible, intuitive, and informative experience for both consumers and industry stakeholders. Informed by user feedback including dedicated accessibility testing procured by the […]
LNER Celebrates 50th Birthday of National Railway Museum With Striking New Livery
LNER is marking the 50th anniversary of the National Railway Museum with a striking new livery on one of its InterCity 225 trains. Named ‘National Railway Museum 50 Years 1975-2025’, the Class 91 locomotive celebrates the Golden Anniversary and the long-standing partnership between LNER and the National Railway Museum. The special livery has been supported […]
Essential safety upgrades for Longport footbridge this summer
Network Rail will begin a major £1.4 million upgrade of the footbridge at Longport station this summer to improve safety for passengers and pedestrians and enhance the long-term resilience of the structure for years to come. From 26 July to 14 September, engineers will carry out essential repairs to the bridge, which crosses two electrified […]
Publicly-owned train operators co-ordinate maintenance plans to improve efficiency
Train operators in public ownership have begun co-ordinating their maintenance plans at Heaton depot in Tyne & Wear in an efficiency drive that is expected to be rolled out across the country. Northern is the depot facilities manager for the site on the outskirts of Newcastle, but it is also used by LNER and TransPennine […]
ORR rejects West Coast Main Line applications due to insufficient capacity
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has rejected applications from three companies seeking track access contracts with Network Rail to run services on the West Coast Main Line (WCML). ORR concluded there is insufficient capacity on the West Coast Main Line southern section for the introduction of any of the proposed services: from East […]
Turntide Technologies secures Hitachi order to power first battery trains built in the UK
Turntide Technologies, a global leader in electrification solutions, has been selected by Hitachi Rail to supply Gen 2 lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system for its Grand Central intercity battery train contract. Turntide Technologies will supply next-generation LFP batteries, which are designed to be smaller and more powerful than previous lithium-ion batteries. This order comes […]
RSSB launches new free E-learning course on Taking Safe Decisions
The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has launched a new free e-learning course, Taking Safe Decisions. The course, developed with the support of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), offers practical guidance on topics including: The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) recently identified inconsistencies within the rail industry in how decisions regarding […]
Independent Rail Retailers prospectus champions passenger choice and innovation
Independent Rail Retailers (IRR) has launched a new prospectus setting out a clear vision for the future of rail retailing highlighting the key role independent retailers play in modernising the passenger experience, growing rail use, and supporting a competitive, customer-first rail industry. Contributing over £5 billion in train tickets annually, accounting for a significant portion […]