In a trading update issued on February 21, FirstGroup said like-for-like passenger revenue growth at its First Rail division was stable at 3·2% in the half year to September 2017, and the division 'continues to deliver a strong contribution notwithstanding ongoing infrastructure challenges'. GWR is negotiating a further two-year direct award to April 2022, with an option for up to two further years; TransPennine Express 'continued to deliver industry-leading revenue growth, with even greater growth required as the new fleet starts to be introduced into service from autumn 2018'; and SWR was working to improve operational performance 'which has been affected by ongoing infrastructure challenges since the start of the franchise'.
Lanes Group's Rail Division has completed a seven-month project to repair a viaduct carrying London Underground's Piccadilly Line over the River Brent. Remote monitoring equipment has been installed to assess whether there is any movement in the structure.
SRS Sjölanders has won a contract to supply road-rail Mobile Elevated Work Platforms to Network Rail.
Transport for London has awarded BPA Corporate Facilitation a £620 000 contract to carry out customer satisfaction surveys.
There are three recommendations to Network Rail in the Rail Accident Investigation Branch’s report into a trailer runaway near Hope, Derbyshire, on May 28 2017. One relates to providing staff with guidance on actions to take if a trailer becomes immobilised; the second relates to management of staff competence at the depot involved; the third relates to learning lessons from multiple non-compliances during use of the plant. RAIB has also identified two learning points, relating to isolating trailer brakes and brake tests prior to use.
The Scottish government announced on February 20 that the planned merger of British Transport Police in Scotland into Police Scotland would be delayed. ‘While a later integration date is disappointing, it will provide all partners with the opportunity to enhance the process of engagement, in particular with officers, staff and their representatives on key issues’, said Justice Secretary Michael Matheson. ASLEF welcomed the decision and called for the scrapping of the merger, which had been planned for April 1 2019.
Transport for London has called tenders for 'sector-exclusive' advertising rights across the Elizabeth Line during its first year of operation. The package would include integration with Elizabeth Line print and online marketing, 'logo presence on the iconic Tube map' and rights to one-sixth of the advertising estate. Continuous ultra-HD LCD screens along the length of some escalators would be new to the TfL network.
The Office of Rail & Road has released videos highlighting issues around of silicosis and hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Axminster Carpets and DG Design have completed a six-month project to supply carpets for refurbishment of the 51 Class 185 Siemens Desiro DMUs operated by TransPennine Express. The carpet 'brings a contemporary feel through the use of an on-trend geometric pattern using shades of blue that catch the eye', the supplier said.
Virgin Trains has given its old staff uniforms to HM Prison Northumberland, where they will be turned into bags, clothes and blankets for homeless people.
Greater Anglia's Norwich-based Customer Contact Centre will begin 24/7 operation from March 4. Delay Repay compensation claims and complaints will be moved to Abellio’s Shared Services Centre in Glasgow, which handles all other claims of this nature for the group.
Bombardier Class 345 EMUs for Elizabeth Line services are now on test between London Paddington, Maidenhead and Reading.
VolkerRail has undertaken track renewals and realignment works to facilitate line speed improvements through the Bloxwich area, including the removal of a level crossing.