This week’s round-up of business news from the UK railway industry.
The Greatest Gathering event held at Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane works in August raised more than £100 000 from ticket sales, vendor fees and merchandise, with the revenues to be split between Railway 200’s five chosen charities: Alzheimer’s Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission and Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, alongside more than 50 railway heritage organisations that took part.
Caledonian Sleeper announced on December 10 that Graham Kelly had been confirmed as Managing Director of on a permanent basis, having held the role on an interim basis. Scottish Rail Holdings Chief Executive Hannah Ross said ‘we had a huge amount of interest in the role, which is a fantastic reflection on the Caledonian Sleeper brand and the exciting opportunity that this is. Throughout the recruitment process Graham stood out for his passion and ambition for the business.’
Funding for a £140m Transport for Wales-led modernisation of Cardiff Central station has been approved by the Department for Transport, Cardiff Capital Region and the Welsh government. This will include a larger concourse to increase capacity, improvements to passenger flow and access, work to alleviate overcrowding and providing better accessibility for those with reduced mobility. There will be improved waiting areas, enhanced retail offerings and cycle storage facilities.
DFTO reports that TransPennine Express is now in the ‘latter stages’ of the process of buying up to 55 new trains, with a core order of 29, with a decision on the preferred bidder and contract award expected in summer 2026.
Devon-based Lyme Bay Winery is supplying its single varietal Bacchus 2023 English white wine to Avanti West Coast’s first class lounge at London Euston. ‘We are thrilled to see our Bacchus 2023 featured in such a prestigious and visible setting’, said National Account Manager Natalie Godfrey. ‘As more people discover and appreciate English still wines, having a presence at London Euston not only raises awareness but also celebrates the quality and diversity of what our vineyards can produce here in the UK.’
A Changing Places toilet is now open at Audley End station, having been installed by Greater Anglia in partnership with Muscular Dystrophy UK and with funding support from the Department for Transport.
Greater Anglia has completed a £1m programme to improve facilities at Harwich International station. This included the replacement of roofing over the footbridge, staircases and station entrance building, as well as upgrades to ceilings. The station was repainted throughout, and energy-efficient lighting installed to improve visibility and safety while reducing environmental impact.