UK railway industry news
Rail Business UK brings the latest news from Britain's railway industry, including operations, infrastructure and the supply sector. Sign up for the free Rail Business UK e-mail newsletter, bringing you the week's top UK industry news at 08.30 every Thursday morning.
Grand Central prepares to launch London – Blackpool services
UK: The first of five Class 90 electric locomotives to receive open access passenger operator Grand Central’s branding has been unveiled ahead of the launch of London Euston – Blackpool North services this spring.
UK railway news round-up
Andrew Stephenson MP was appointed Minister of State at the Department for Transport on February 13, with responsibility for HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade. He was first elected as Conservative MP for Pendle in May 2010, and had been Minister of State at the Foreign & ...
Wherry lines resignalling goes live
UK: The Norwich – Great Yarmouth line reopened on February 17, services having been suspended since February 1 during a major project to replace the mechanical signalling with digital equipment controlled from Colchester.
United call for a rolling programme of electrification
UK: Business, passenger, freight and community groups have published an open letter calling on Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps to end the stop-start nature of railway electrification projects and instead kick-start an ‘ambitious’ rolling programme.
On-train connectivity ‘stuck in the digital dark ages’
UK: The National Infrastructure Commission has published its Connected Future: Getting Back on Track report, saying that progress with providing mobile connectivity on trains has stalled since the government accepted the findings of its 2016 Connected Future report.
Wigan multiple-unit depot inaugurated
UK: Northern and Network Rail have inaugurated a £46m rolling stock stabling and light maintenance facility at Wigan Springs Branch, alongside the former diesel locomotive depot now used by Network Rail.
Unite seeks reassurance about future of Bombardier’s Derby factory
UK: Trade union Unite said it was seeking reassurances about the long-term future of the Bombardier Transportation factory in Derby following Alstom’s announcement on February 17 that it had signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire Bombardier Inc’s activities in the rail sector.
Akiem acquires Macquarie European Rail fleet
EUROPE: Leasing company Akiem Group has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Macquarie European Rail’s rolling stock leasing business, subject to regulatory approval.
