This week’s round-up of business news from the UK railway industry.
Loram’s RGC01 rail grinding machine for Network Rail has successfully completed ETCS Level 2 testing, which the supplier said makes it the UK’s first on-track machine fitted for in-cab digital signalling and ETCS-enabled. It has been fitted with Hitachi Rail ETCS in a two-year design, integration and enabling project including teams from Aegis and TÜV.
Creative agency Eleven has been reappointed to Network Rail’s Creative Services Framework, covering strategic campaign services under Lot 1. Over the past decade Eleven has collaborated with Network Rail on campaigns spanning passenger and public safety, communicating disruption, driving footfall and recruitment and engaging communities and stakeholders. ‘Being entrusted with this role for the third time is not just a testament to our expertise, but to the tangible impact we’ve had’, said Managing Director Clare Lydon
Unipart company Comms Design has been appointed as UK distributor for the Funkwerk Systems range of radios used for safety-critical communications in the rail and industrial sectors, including GSM-R.
Emma Barrett‑Peel became CEO of rail apprenticeships provider Train’d Up on March 2. ‘We are investing in apprenticeships that help employers build real capability – from maintenance and reliability through to technician development’, she said. ‘Our focus is on delivering quality outcomes, meaningful employer impact, and training that fits around the operational realities of modern engineering businesses.’
Greater Anglia and The Virtual Tour Experts have launched an online virtual tour of Beaulieu Park rail station to help people plan their journeys and travel with confidence.
Westmorland & Furness Council has commissioned Mott MacDonald (project leadership, urban design, engineering and engagement), Owen Ellis Architects (station architecture) and Donald Insall Associates (heritage aspects) to develop a masterplan for the Windermere station area, aiming to create ‘a vibrant, high quality’ transport hub with improved connections for walking, cycling, taxis and buses
Following the successful launch of the scheme in Leeds, LNER has extended its e-bike partnership with Beryl to Bradford. ‘The introduction of the LNER Bradford Beryl Bikes further strengthens our commitment to achieving net zero by 2045, while providing a greener, more convenient way for people to travel across this vibrant and growing city’, said LNER Commercial Director David Flesher on March 10.
Transport for London has awarded Icomera a £6·2m five-year contract for the support and maintenance of proprietary wi-fi infrastructure installed on the Elizabeth Line, London Overground and Docklands Light Railway fleets until January 31 2031, with a possible two-year extension.
Network Rail has awarded IST Simulations a £607 000+VAT contract to supply additional signalling simulator panels and software to Basingstoke and Woking.
RAIB makes three recommendations to London Underground in its report into a fatal accident at Ickenham station on March 28 2025. The first is that London Underground review its standards relating to under‑platform recesses to ensure that they are effective and consistent. The second recommends site-specific risk assessments for all station platforms and the implementation of appropriate risk controls. The final recommendation relates to providing operational staff with the necessary guidance and training to safeguard people under the influence of alcohol on the London Underground network. Two learning points identify how a thorough track check can be effective in preventing further train movements when a person has fallen onto the track, and the importance of following company policy with regards to routine drug and alcohol testing following serious accidents.