This week’s round-up of business news from the UK railway industry.
Great Western Railway’s Class 230 battery multiple-unit entered passenger service on the Greenford branch on January 31, after 22 months of trials. It is initially running on Saturdays only. ‘This is a significant moment for all those involved in this innovative project and comes at a crucial time as we focus on plans to replace our ageing diesel fleet’, said Engineering Director Dr Simon Green. ‘Our fast-charge trial has successfully demonstrated that battery technology offers a reliable and efficient alternative to power electric trains, in cases where overhead lines aren’t possible or desirable. Delivering the train into passenger service will enable us to gain further insight which can be fed into our own decarbonisation plans, as well as those of the wider rail industry.’
The Association for Consultancy & Engineering has appointed Milda Manomaityte as CEO with effect from March 2. She has spent the past seven years at the Railway Industry Association, holding a number of roles including Innovation Director and most recently Chief Operating Officer.
Insiders confirmed on February 2 that the EU Agency for Railways is now working more closely with British rail bodies such as RSSB as part of the wider post-Brexit political ‘reset’ between the UK and European Union.
Rail Forum has launched the third edition of its UK Rail Manufacturing Capability Brochure, designed to help customers, partners and policymakers easily identify specialist UK manufacturing expertise and connect with suppliers across the country. The brochure is once again supported by Rail Forum’s Strategic Partners, Made in Britain and Make UK, alongside Manufacturing Partner Transport Design International.
Transport union RMT is calling for an end to lone working on the railways, and ‘urgent action’ to tackle violence and abuse of both workers and passengers on public transport. ‘Our members should not have to face threats, abuse or sexual harassment just to earn a living serving the public’, said General Secretary Eddie Dempsey. ‘This is a workplace safety issue and it demands urgent political action which we will campaign for tooth and nail until we achieve progress.’
Infrastructure contractor QTS Group has acquired 10 Volkswagen ID.Buzz electric vehicles, having already replaced 10 high emission 4x4 models with hybrid vehicles last year. It has a target of operating 45 electric vehicles by October, which is expected to deliver a further 8% reduction in carbon emissions this year.
The Rail Safety & Standards Board has appointed Sheena Smith as Industry Non-executive Director (Suppliers). She is Technical Director for Assurance at Anturas Consulting, which specialises in programme management and initiation and technical assurance services for complex infrastructure projects, particularly in the rail sector. Smith said she was ‘looking forward to strengthening the partnership between RSSB and the supply chain, so we can help the railway innovate safely and deliver real value on the ground’.
The board of trustees of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (UK) has confirmed the appointment of Helen Hardy as CEO, following a seven-month period as Interim CEO.
Law firm Freeths advised Porterbrook on its acquisition of 404 rail vehicles from Corelink Rail Infrastructure Ltd. Leading the Freeths team was Partner Tom Johnson, who said ‘as a certified B Corp, we’re passionate about working on projects that deliver long-term environmental benefits’.
Yellow Rail has obtained RISAS certification covering bogies, vehicles, engineering and procurement. The company said this reinforced its ‘focus on doing things properly, not just to pass audits, but to build a stronger, safer and more resilient business’.