Former Railtrack chief executive Gerald Corbett has warned that the government’s plans for Great British Railways will leave the industry’s ‘directing mind’ at risk of interference by ministers. Mr Corbett was speaking as he launched his new book ‘When something happens – Inside Railtrack: a CEO shares his story for the
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Co-operative operator blames ‘hostility’ for delay
image: Go-op Co-operative The Go-op Co-operative, which secured regulatory approval a year ago to run the first rail service owned by passengers, has warned that the benefits to several West Country towns are in jeopardy because of ‘a hostile investment environment’ which is partly caused by wider railway reforms, including
Regular freight trains set to use Chunnel again
The government will announce today that some £15 million from private sources is to be invested in the Barking Eurohub, so that regular freight trains can start running through the Channel Tunnel again. Network Rail and its new property development company Platform4 will take long-term control of the Barking site, which
Last but one station opens on Northumberland Line
The delayed station at Northumberland Park on the Newcastle-Ashington line opened yesterday, and Northern said the first train had arrived at 08.10. The new station is about ten minutes’ travel time from Newcastle and is also an interchange with Tyne & Wear Metro services. The other stations on the line, which opened
Trains return to Barnstaple, but Cornish line stays closed
Trains are running between Exeter and Barnstaple for the first time this month, after Network Rail repaired the damage caused by heavy rain which washed away ballast and put some structures at risk. But Network Rail warned that it would be continuing to monitor the situation, because more rain is forecast
Intercity Express returns to East West Rail
picture: Phil Marsh A Great Western Railway Intercity Express has made a surprise appearance on East West Rail, as there continues to be no firm opening date for the restored line between Bicester and Bletchley, which was completed well over a year ago. People in Winslow have been protesting at the
Seven more stations planned for Wales
The Prime Minister is supporting proposals to invest almost £500 million in Welsh train services, which include seven new stations. The Welsh Government has already committed £1.1 billion to upgrade and electrify the Core Valley Lines and another £800 million for new trains. Six of the new stations will be in South
Electrification to start on Borders Railway
The Borders Railway will be closed over three weekends next month, so that parts of the line can be electrified. The scheme was announced in September last year by transport secretary Fiona Hyslop as part of an investment of £342 million in electrification and electric trains for Glasgow, Fife and
Trains return to landslip lines
Trains are running again between Horsham and Dorking (Main) this morning, after more than two weeks of disruption caused by a landslip. The route was closed on 27 January after the slip at Ockley had left two lines hanging in the air. The soil had given way along a nine-metre section
Scottish rail fares to be frozen this year
Fares on ScotRail will be frozen for 12 months, following a similar freeze south of the border. First Minister John Swinney said it was part of his government’s ‘resolute focus on the cost of living’. Peak fares have already been abolished on ScotRail routes. The freeze will apply season tickets and Flexipass