Greater Thameslink Railway interim CEO John Whitehurst says the root cause of last night’s derailment near Lewes will be the subject of an ‘open investigation’. Twenty people were injured in the crash, two of them seriously, when the three trailing cars of a Southern train from London to Eastbourne became derailed
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Hot weather causes reductions, but EMR improves
The number of trains running on some routes has been reduced because of the very hot weather, but there was better news from East Midlands Railway, which is planning to restore some of the services which were axed in response to problems with the new Class 810 Aurora fleet as
PM hints at rail fare reforms ahead
The Prime Minister has hinted that he is ready to reform rail fares. Speaking to the BBC this morning, he said: ‘I put buses under public control in Greater Manchester, and because of that I have control of the fares, and I could reduce the fares. ‘We’ve just put rail under public
CIRO sets out Great British Railways priorities
The Chartered Institution of Railway Operators has warned that Great British Railways will need to respect local devolution while also maintaining a consistent approach throughout the country. In a new report, CIRO has set out its objectives for the organisation. CIRO says it recognises the ‘significant opportunities’ presented by bringing track and
Italian operator to compete through Channel Tunnel
The Italian operator Trenitalia has unveiled plans to launch services between London and Paris in 2029. Trenitalia said it has ordered 19 high speed trains from Hitachi, with an investment of €2 billion which will also cover long-term maintenance. Trenitalia will also operate between Paris and Lyon, Marseille and Milan. Work is already
Trains return after Manchester power cut
Most trains in north west England are running again this morning, following yesterday's power cut in Manchester. This affected the Rail Operating Centre, where back up systems did not step in immediately. Network Rail is now investigating why its power contingency plan did not work as it should. Most operators are running
New stumbling block for East West Rail over staffing
A proposal for for trains on East West Rail to be staffed by a driver and a customer service inspector have failed to break the deadlock between the Department for Transport and the RMT, which has been opposing plans to use driver-only trains between Oxford and Milton Keynes Central. The line
Group investigates Scottish sleepers to the continent
A working group has met for the first time to prepare a feasibility study examining the potential for a direct Caledonian Sleeper service to mainland Europe. The group, comprising representatives from Transport Scotland, Scottish Rail Holdings and Caledonian Sleeper, will explore the ‘technical and commercial opportunities and challenges associated with extending
Railcard extension means more half-price travel
The rules about 16-17 Railcards have been changed, so that they give young people a longer period of half-price travel. Until now, these Railcards had expired when the holder reached the age of 18, but from 17 August the cards will be valid for a year after purchase, even if they
New Okehampton Interchange station opens
A new station was officially opened in Devon on 31 July, and trains started calling the following day. Okehampton Interchange is on the outskirts of the town, where the new £18 million station has a 200-space car park, sheltered cycle storage and a covered bus interchange, with electric vehicle charging points