Request-stop kiosks supplied by Unipart Technologies Group’s Comms Design went live at Kinbrace, Kildonan, Rogart, Invershin and Culrain stations on the Far North Line on December 20, removing the need for waiting passengers to give hand signals to the driver of an approaching train. This follows a trial at Scotscalder. Altnabreac and Dunrobin Castle will complete the programme in early 2023.
Sella Controls has doubled capacity at its Rail Support centre in Leicestershire. ‘We have seen significant growth across during the last five years’, said Roger Watson, Managing Director of the rail business. ‘We have had major successes with contract awards for Network Rail renewal programmes, depot control and projects for Iarnród Éireann. These systems require significant engineering and testing capacity. The expansion of the facilities at Coalville will provide the space we need to meet our current and future growth plans.’
The bridge that will carry East West Rail over High Speed 2 near Calvert in Buckinghamshire has been lifted into place by the EKFB joint venture of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall. The 35 m long, 315 tonne bridge is made of weathering steel designed to naturally age to a dark brown to match the tone of the surrounding countryside.
Translink has awarded Advance Safety Management, Arcal and PH. framework contracts for the provision of rail on-site safety services.
HS2 construction contractor Balfour Beatty Vinci has launched a partnership with STEM Returners to help STEM professionals return to work after a career break. There are programmes for roles including CAD Technician, Performance Reporting Manager and Site Engineer.
Colas Rail’s signalling team recently held a two-day conference to discuss safety performance, environmental impact, signalling projects and review recent events. A fatigue masterclass was delivered in collaboration with 7Futures, and a behaviours and consequences workshop hosted by a registered judge aimed to make staff aware of how courts would deal with significant failings.
Samaritans is to use a £77 000 grant from Great Western Railway’s Community Fund to recruit volunteers and deliver activities in the local communities across the GWR network. The TOC’s Business Development Director Tom Pierpoint said ’Samaritans has worked in partnership with the rail industry and the British Transport Police for more than 10 years, carrying out vital work to reduce suicides on the railway and training staff to start conversations with someone who might need help to get them to safety’.
The onward travel scheme granting Ukrainian evacuees one free journey by rail, London Underground, coach or bus to reach their final destination within 48 h of arrival at major English entry ports has been extended by six months. More than 2 900 people have used the scheme since it was launched in March.