FirstGroup’s open access performing ahead of expectations
UK: Trading in FirstGroup’s First Rail division has been slightly ahead of expectations due to strong performance at the open access businesses, the company said in a pre-close trading update.
FirstGroup plans London – Sheffield open access train service
UK: FirstGroup has announced plans to launch an open access passenger train service between London and Sheffield.
Rail needs to get out of a pickle, says Minister in Gherkin
UK: ‘The perception that passengers cannot rely on rail is too close to the truth’, Rail Minister Huw Merriman told representatives of the passenger industry.
Hull DMU depot improvement work completed
UK: Northern has completed a refurbishment of its Hull Botanic Gardens Traincare Centre to increase maintenance and servicing capacity.
Managing Director of both Lumo and Hull Trains appointed
UK: FirstGroup has announced the appointment of Martijn Gilbert to the new role of Managing Director of its two open access operators Lumo and Hull Trains.
Safety was managed well in Class 800 cracking crisis, finds ORR
UK: Rail industry processes ensured that passenger safety was not compromised following the discovery of bodyshell cracks on the Hitachi-built Class 800 series trainsets in May 2021, according to a report published by the Office of Rail & Road on April 7.
First Rail’s management fee operations meet expectations and open access is ahead
UK: Performance at First Rail’s four management fee-based train operating companies is in line with expectations for the second half of the financial year, while open access operators Hull Trains and Lumo are marginally ahead of expectations, FirstGroup said in a trading update on February 25.