A trial run took Caledonian Sleeper’s new CAF coaches into London Euston for the first time on January 22. Entry into service is now expected ‘by the end of May ‘.
Network Rail has awarded BAM Nuttall a framework contract worth up to £320m for renewals and enhancements in Scotland & North East during Control Period 6 in 2019-24. Two geotech frameworks have been awarded to Story Contracting (LNE, £47m) and QTS (Scotland, £100m).
The Department for Transport has published a summary of responses to last year’s consultation on the implementation of Directive 2370/2016, part of the Market Pillar of the Fourth Railway Package. ‘Given our already liberalised rail markets we anticipate that the Directive will have minimal impacts in Great Britain’, DfT said. Implementation through secondary legistlation is planned for this month, with provision for a no-deal Brexit and a ‘sunset‘ on December 31 2020 to give the government freedom to implement a post-Brexit domestic policy.
Greater Anglia is supporting Essex County Council’s Travel Training scheme which helps people with special educational needs and disabilities travel independently. The operator has provided free tickets to help travel trainers teach people to use trains safely, understand timetables and learn how to buy tickets so that they are able to travel independently.
Network Rail has awarded Hull-based G-Tech Coper Ltd a framework contract worth up to £6·8m for the supply of platform copers and tactile blocks.
TE Connectivity is supplying high-voltage roofline components for the 58 electric and bi-mode multiple-units Stadler is building for Greater Anglia.
CrossCountry now offers free wi-fi on all its services.
Martin Beable will join Greater Anglia as Engineering Director in March 2019. He is currently Fleet Director at the Arriva UK Trains Bid Team.
On January 17 the House of Commons Transport Committee published the government’s response to its report into the appointment of the Chair of the Office of Rail & Road.
Pickersgill-Kaye is supplying 360 passenger emergency alarm handles for use with the Knorr-Bremse braking systems being fitted as part of the refurbishment of Class 442 EMUs for use by South Western Railway. The original pneumatic valves are being replaced with electrical switches.