Getting customers safely and on time to their destinations are key priorities for both LNER and Network Rail. Now, that is an even greater reality, thanks to new technology. The two rail companies have partnered up to install equipment across the LNER Azuma and InterCity 225 fleets which monitors the condition of the East Coast […]
Category: Innovation
LNER hits the mark with April Fools’ campaign
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has drawn praise for its 2026 April Fools’ campaign, delivering a playful concept that blurred the line between fiction and reality. At the centre of the campaign was a professionally produced trailer for a reality television series titled ‘Above Rails’. Presented in the style of a modern streaming show, the […]
‘Clear market appetite’ for energy and data centre partnership at GCRE site
The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) has said that several blue-chip organisations have submitted formal Expressions of Interest in developing energy and data centre assets on its 700-hectare South Wales site. Over the last few months GCRE has been seeking a partner to develop Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and a Data Centre (DC) on […]
Drones delivering range of benefits and keeping trains moving
Network Rail is strengthening its ability to respond quickly and safely to incidents across its East Midlands route thanks to the growing use of drones. Drone flights have saved the route £100,000 since September 2025 through benefits such as improved productivity and avoiding line blocks. The route currently has three trained drone pilots among its […]
Record-breaking battery train introduced into passenger service
Great Western Railway (GWR) will introduce the UK’s first battery-only powered train into passenger service on Saturday 31 January. The Class 230 train has been used for a successful trial of fast-charge technology on the Greenford branch line over the past 22 months. Up until now it has undergone rigorous trials, but on Saturday it […]
University Technology Park will be first stop for Coventry Very Light Rail
Coventry University’s Technology Centre will be the first stop on a pioneering new tram network set to be built in the city. Coventry City Council has approved a new demonstrator line for its Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) network, designed to showcase the huge benefits of the technology. The initial 800 metre section will run […]