Transport for the North has begun public consultation on a draft rail, road and water Freight & Logistics Strategy for the north of England. It said challenges include a shortage of warehouse capacity, especially rail connected warehousing; a lack of reliable and efficient east-west connectivity across the Pennines; and a disproportionate reliance on ports in the south of England.
LNER has launched a ‘Be Kind’ campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour experienced by railway workers. Station and onboard staff wear a range of badges featuring phrases such as ‘I am someone’s mum’ and ‘I am someone’s brother’, intended to humanise the wearer and remind those they interact with that they are ‘more than just a uniform’.
Network Rail has awarded WH Davis Ltd contracts worth £1·5m for the redesign and proof of concept build of a new type of Track Renewal System sleeper pallet, which will be used for the movement of new and old sleepers before and after track renewals.
Tim Hedley-Jones is to join the Railway Heritage Trust as Executive Director on April 1, succeeding Andy Savage who will become a non-executive director.
Station design and build specialist SLC Rail has received Great Place to Work-Certification for the second year running. ‘This comes at an exciting time for us as we look for talented people to join the business and help support our ambitious growth plans’, said Managing Director Ian Walters.
Northern has partnered with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme Ltd to launch a free priority seating card, designed to give people with conditions that make it difficult to stand the confidence to ask other passengers to give up a priority seat. ‘A small act by fellow travellers offering up their seat has an immediate effect but also gives a confidence boost that has a lasting impact’, said Commercial & Customer Director Mark Powles.