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 […]
Category: Rail Business
RIA recognises latest positive rail customer statistics
Following the positive news for rail investment in the Government’s Spending Review last week, the Railway Industry Association (RIA) welcomes the latest rail usage statistics published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and the Department for Transport (DfT). The ORR quarterly figures, from January to March 2025, show a 7% increase in passenger […]
FirstGroup ranked in Europe’s 50 Most Sustainable Corporations
FirstGroup plc, a leading private sector provider of public transport, has been awarded a place on the list of Europe’s 50 Most Sustainable Corporations, one of only seven UK companies to be included. This new ranking is produced by sustainable business media group Corporate Knights. The report ranks Europe’s largest publicly listed companies, drawn from […]
EMR made Patron of Rail Forum, supporting safe and responsible recycling in the rail sector
EMR – a global leader in sustainable materials – has become a Patron of Rail Forum, an organisation that enables cooperation and collaboration between stakeholders in the UK rail industry. With more than 390 members across the UK, including Arriva TrainCare, DB Cargo, East West Rail, Network Rail and Siemens Mobility, Rail Forum brings together […]
FirstGroup plc – rolling stock agreement for Stirling open access rail service
FirstGroup plc (or the ‘Group’) is pleased to provide an update on its new London to Stirling open access rail service. As previously announced, in 2024 the Group acquired Grand Union Wcml which included track access rights granted by the Office of Rail and Road (‘ORR’) to run open access rail services from London Euston […]
TransPennine Express shows the power of public ownership
New figures, released by TransPennine Express (TPE), a publicly-owned train operator, reveal how the rail operator has delivered a dramatic turnaround under public ownership. Since transferring into public ownership in May 2023, TPE has reduced cancellations by 75%, increased customer journeys by 42%, and grown revenue by 54%. In the last financial year alone, the […]
Maritime Transport launches two new rail services from DP World london gateway
Maritime Transport has launched two new intermodal rail services connecting DP World London Gateway with its inland terminals at Hams Hall and iPort Doncaster. Running Monday to Saturday, the new services commenced last week and are operated in partnership with GB Railfreight. Both services have been introduced in response to growing volumes at DP World […]
FirstGroup celebrates South Western Railway’s as it transfers to public control
FirstGroup is celebrating the achievements of South Western Railway (SWR) and the hundreds of millions of pounds of improvements the operator has seen since 2017. FirstGroup and MTR have been operating SWR since that year, connecting communities and providing commuter, regional and long-distance services to customers in South West London, the southern counties of England […]
Greater Anglia to be nationalised from October
The Department for Transport has confirmed that Greater Anglia is set to be nationalised on 12 October 2025. The train operator has said that it is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to public ownership and has both the plans and expertise in place to deliver this outcome. In the meantime, it will continue to […]
Greater Anglia to be nationalised from October
The Department for Transport has confirmed that Greater Anglia is set to be nationalised on 12 October 2025. The train operator has said that it is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to public ownership and has both the plans and expertise in place to deliver this outcome. In the meantime, it will continue to […]