An LNER train driver, who has been on the railway for 46 years, has completed his final journey before retirement. Mick Ingledew, 65, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, joined British Rail in January 1979 as a traction trainee. While working for the local council, a train driver parent of one of Mick’s friends asked whether he had thought […]
Category: UK
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 […]
Eurostar and London St. Pancras Highspeed join forces on major expansion to double station capacity
London St. Pancras Highspeed and Eurostar have today signed a letter of intent, marking their joint ambition to take significant steps to expand the capacity at St. Pancras International. The project aims to futureproof one of Europe’s busiest international rail hubs and support growing demand for sustainable cross-border travel. The announcement follows an independent study […]
30-day closure of Huddersfield Station will transform rail travel across the North
As part of the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), Huddersfield Station will undergo a major transformation this autumn with a 30-day full station closure taking place from Saturday 30 August to Sunday 28 September 2025. This essential closure marks a significant step forward in delivering faster, greener and more reliable train services across the North, […]
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 […]
Work starts to make classic HSTs fit for the future
Work has started to fit equipment for digital in cab signalling to the iconic High Speed Trains (HSTs), a symbol of British rail heritage, significantly in the year of Railway 200. Sixteen Class 43 power cars are being fitted with European Train Control System (ETCS) equipment. The fitment is part of the £1.4 billion East […]
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 […]
West Midlands Railway names train ‘Jess Carter’ ahead of Euro 2025
West Midlands Railway (WMR) has named one of its newest trains in honour of England footballer Jess Carter as the Lionesses prepare to defend their Euros title. Experienced defender Jess, age 27, grew up in Warwickshire and pupils from her former secondary school were among the guests at a special ceremony in her honour at […]
Avanti West Coast completes Wigan North Western station overhaul
Avanti West Coast has completed an investment programme totalling nearly £1 million at Wigan North Western station aiming to improve customer experience and creating jobs. Working with Network Rail, the intercity operator has redesigned the main entrance by widening the doors, relocating Ticket Vending Machines, repainting the space and adding new lighting and more CCTV. […]