InTheNews: The latest rail news on Wednesday, 20th March 2024<\/p>\n
A South Western Railway (SWR)<\/a> Train Driver has opened up about the impact passenger abuse is having on him and his colleagues.<\/p>\n Speaking to BBC News, Ben Waterhouse said that behaviour had deteriorated since the COVID-19 pandemic \u2013 adding that people now seemed to have less patience.<\/p>\n He shared his experiences after SWR launched a new campaign to deter frustrated customers from verbally abusing its employees.<\/p>\n Ben explained that comments can sometimes hurt \u201cmore than they should\u201d, particularly when they are made \u201ctime and time again.\u201d<\/p>\n He stated that \u201ceveryone deserves to feel safe at work.\u201d<\/p>\n Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n Business Matters has reported that ministers are in \u201clast ditch\u201d talks with Alstom as they work to prevent the closure of Derby\u2019s train manufacturing facility.<\/p>\n It added that thousands of jobs could be lost across the industry if the iconic plant closed. Work at the Derby plant has come to a standstill, and 1,300 workers have been told that they are at risk of losing their jobs.<\/p>\n Alstom\u2019s UK Managing Director, Nick Cross, emphasised the need for certainty and collaboration with Government.<\/p>\n In a statement, the Department for Transport acknowledged the role that rail manufacturing plays in boosting the economy and improving passenger experience. It confirmed that it would continue to engage with Alstom about the plant\u2019s future.<\/p>\n Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n GB Railfreight (GBRF) has explained why Class 69 locomotives have been running regularly in West Yorkshire over the last few months.<\/p>\n The modern freight locomotives are converted Class 56s, created as part of a GBRF rebuild scheme. According to an article in the Telegraph & Argus, they have been used primarily in the South of England since their introduction.<\/p>\n Since Christmas, however, they have been spotted in Huddersfield, Marsden, and Mirfield. The spokesperson added that the locomotives were spare, and had been put to work on road learning work for ballast trains.<\/p>\n
French conglomerate Alstom has warned that it may move production to Poland or India if the Government fails to provide assurances about new train orders.<\/p>\n
Now, a GBRF spokesperson has revealed that the locomotives are being used for driver route learning, rather than a new freight flow.<\/p>\n