Network Rail has made a bid to improve communications between signal panels and boxes within each region by devising new phonetic alphabets which draw on local culture and language. A notice sent to signallers and seen by Railnews says: ‘Following consultation it has been agreed that the London and South East Region (LaSER) Region Specific Phonetic Alphabet (RSPA) will become active from 0001hrs Saturday 1st April 2023. The RSPA will work concurrently with standardised Alphabet as per Rule Book Section G1. ‘The introduction of the LaSER RSPA is a culmination of many hours of work to bring forward a tangible legacy to “2023, British Year of the Dialect”. This RSPA embraces local dialectic idiosyncrasies. ‘As I'm sure your teams are aware, Network Rail have been embracing dialect and local customs in our bid to remain Diversity Relevant in the modern era. The homogenization of language, while ensuring clarity, is diluting cultures nationally and internationally. ‘Network Rail’s policy of multiple RSPAs should go live following a successful trial of LaSER.’ The new alphabet for the London area draws inspiration from the classic BBC comedy series, ‘Only Fools and Horses’, and reads: A = Arfur; B = Boycie; C = Cushty; D = Denzel; E = Earner;F = Freddie; G = Geezer; H = Hooky; I = Incometax; J = Jubbly; K = Khazi; L = Liquor; M = Marlene; N = Nagshead; O = Occhetti; P = Plonker; Q = Quack; R = Rodney; S = Sullivan; T = Tea; U = Uncle; V = VAT; W = Wally; X = Xwife; Y = Yuppy; Z = Zebedee. Network Rail added: ‘It is important to note this can only be used for rail communications wholly encompassed within LaSER. In ALL other circumstances users must apply G1 SA.’ 

An HS2 tunnelling gang in Warwickshire has celebrated the breakthrough of tunnel boring machine ‘Dorothy’ as the cutterhead broke through the wall of the Long Itchington Wood Tunnel. It’s taken four months for the 2,000 tonne TBM to complete its 1500m second bore, from north to south. Long Itchington Wood is the first twin-bore tunnel to be completed on HS2. After completing the first bore of the tunnel in July 2022, the 125m TBM was dismantled and returned to the north portal where it was reassembled, ready to start its second journey. Staff from Balfour Beatty VINCI were on the site to see the cutterhead break through. It has taken three years to complete both bores. Rail minister Huw Merriman said: ‘This is yet another ground-breaking moment in the delivery of HS2 and the transformation of journeys and communities across Britain. ‘With the help of Tunnel Boring Machine Dorothy, these tunnels are paving the way for HS2 trains while preserving ancient woodland on the land above. These tunnels help ensure that we deliver this transformative project while protecting the natural environment.’

Network Rail is to close Barmouth Bridge for up to 13 weeks this autumn so that its restoration can be concluded. Network Rail will be working with its principal contractors Alun Griffiths to reconstruct the metal sections of the bridge, as well as renewing the track near Barmouth Toll House on the northern edge of the viaduct.   Work began in 2020 in order to protect the bridge for future generations and to maintain its magnificent appearance. The project has already seen the timber beams which support the 154-year-old structure replaced. The restoration has been split into several phases to reduce the effect on rail services, the community and local economy. Network Rail has also planned the work to avoid the busy summer season. Network Rail said Barmouth Bridge, including its footpath, will be closed from 2 September to 24 November, and probably again from 25 November to 3 December, although this has yet to be confirmed. Preparation has started and will continue until September. Engineering gangs and contractors are currently grit blasting the steel cylinders that support the metal parts of the bridge, to prepare them for painting. Wales & Borders interim route director Nick Millington said: ‘We are excited to begin work on the final phase of restoring this iconic viaduct. There is no other like it in Britain, so we have meticulously and carefully brought this structure back to life so it can serve passengers for future generations.’

The first of a fleet of new trains for South Wales Metro is being unveiled today. The Class 231 train, built by Stadler, was launched in Caerphilly by the deputy minister for climate change in the Welsh Government, Lee Waters. Transport for Wales says the trains have more capacity than the existing fleet, as well as improved seating, air conditioning, power sockets and information screens, space for six cycles and automatic level boarding. Lee Waters said: ‘Travelling on these new carriages is such a different experience from travelling on the old ones. There’s more room, it’s much more comfortable and it is quieter and smoother. Come and give them a try.’ Transport for Wales CEO James Price added: ‘This is another key milestone for TfW. People are now starting to see transformation across our network with the introduction of brand-new, modern trains that will attract people to use public transport. ‘We introduced our CAF Class 197 to the network at the start of the year and we’re proud today to launch yet another brand-new train in the Stadler Class 231 train. The South Wales Metro is a phased project and today signifies it is now starting to be delivered.’

The National Audit Office is warning that HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport cannot complete the high speed train terminus at London Euston within the existing budget of £2.6 billion, and that the estimated cost now stands at £4.8 billion. A new NAO report is also warning that budget pressures have been worsened by inflation, which is affecting the DfT’s capital programme. It says the department will need to manage this ‘closely’. The size of the HS2 station at Euston was reduced from 11 platforms to 10 in November 2020, but it still exceeded the budget by £1 billion. At the end of December 2022, HS2 Ltd had spent £0.5 billion on HS2 Euston, along with a further £1.5 billion on land purchases and preparatory works for the station and its approaches. This money was taken from the wider HS2 Phase One budget rather than the Euston budget. The report also says that the revised HS2 Euston design addressed previous issues concerning the design and construction of the station but it did not solve the challenge of designing it within the budget. Transport secretary Mark Harper announced earlier this month that work on HS2 north of Birmingham was being paused for two years, but the NAO says DfT and HS2 Ltd will also pause the work at HS2 Euston for two years as well, while they look again at how to achieve an affordable design that provides value for money. As a result of this pause there will be additional costs and overall expenditure could increase. The report concludes that the DfT’s and HS2 Ltd’s attempt to ‘reset the programme’ since 2020 has not succeeded, and that ‘further action is now required to develop an affordable and viable station’. The head of the NAO Gareth Davies said: ‘Government is once again having to revise plans for Euston HS2. Clearly, the 2020 reset of the station design has not succeeded. DfT and HS2 Ltd have not been able to develop an affordable scope that is integrated with other activity at Euston, despite their focus on costs and governance since 2020. Recent high inflation has added to the challenge. ‘The March 2023 announcement by the transport secretary pausing new construction work should now give DfT and HS2 Ltd the necessary time to put the HS2 Euston project on a more realistic and stable footing. However, the deferral of spending to manage inflationary pressures will lead to additional costs and potentially a more expensive project overall, and that will need to be managed closely.’ Meg Hillier, who chairs the Commons Public Accounts Committee added: ‘Attempts to reset the High Speed 2 Euston station have failed. It is still unaffordable and no further forward than it was three years ago. ‘Today’s NAO report show that the redesigned station would have cost nearly double what was budgeted. The delays to fix this will be felt not only by the taxpayer, but will continue to disrupt people and businesses around Euston. ‘Department for Transport and High Speed Two Ltd have wasted enough time and money. They must get Euston right next time or risk squandering what benefits remain.’

The RMT has suspended the strikes at 14 train operators in England which it had called for 30 March and 1 April. The move came last night after the Rail Delivery Group had tabled a new offer which the RMT said ‘could lead to a resolution to resolve the current national rail dispute’. The union said further talks will now be held. The suspension of the two 24-hour strikes has followed the ending of the RMT dispute with Network Rail, after its members had voted to accept a new offer. The possibility of a settlement has been welcomed by the Rail Delivery Group and the Department for Transport. The DfT said: ‘This marks a positive step and takes us closer to resolving this dispute. ‘After Network Rail employees overwhelmingly voted to accept a similar pay offer earlier this week, we’re once again asking the RMT executive to do the right thing and put this fair and reasonable offer to its members, giving them the pay rise they deserve and helping us end this dispute.’ The RDG added: ‘We are now jointly focused on working constructively towards a settlement to this dispute, which will mean we can do what we have always wanted to do – give our people a pay rise and help secure the long-term future of the railway with rewarding careers for all those who work on it.’

Derby is to be the home of Great British Railways, the government has announced. The East Midlands city will host the GBR headquarters, where several hundred people will work. More than 40 towns and cities had competed to host GBR’s headquarters, and six were shortlisted. The other five were Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York. Transport secretary Mark Harper said: ‘It’s full steam ahead for the reform of our railways and today’s announcement is not only a huge win for the brilliant city of Derby, but a key milestone for the entire rail industry across the country. ‘Great British Railways will put the passenger first, promoting collaboration and innovation across a joined-up, efficient and modern network.’ Derby-based industry networking organisation Rail Forum has welcomed the news. Chief executive Elaine Clark said: ‘All of the finalists were strong contenders to be the home of GBR and Rail Forum would like to commend each of the locations on the quality of their bids. GBR will be the guiding mind and set the strategic direction for the future of Britain’s railways. Derby is an excellent location for the HQ and we look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with GBRTT, for the benefit of all our members across the whole of the UK.’ Maria Machancoses, who is the chief executive of regional transport body Midlands Connect, said: ‘I am thrilled to hear Derby has been selected as the home for the new Great British Railways HQ. ‘It is an excellent choice; Derby is right in the heart of the country and is home to the greatest cluster of rail sector businesses in the UK and indeed Europe making it a perfect location for the home of GBR. ‘Investing in Derby is a therefore a clear vote of confidence for the rail industry bringing a host of job opportunities to the region and we look forward to working together with GBR on our plans, including the Midlands Rail Hub.’ Rail Partners lobbies on behalf of the private sector. Its chief executive Andy Bagnall said: ‘It's great to see Great British Railways has found its future home in Derby, a city with a rich history of railway heritage and a track record of innovation. The strength of competition for the HQ from other great railway cities up and down the country speaks to the transformative power of rail as an engine for green growth. ‘Legislation in the next Parliamentary session is now the critical next step to establishing Great British Railways and maintaining momentum for reform of our railways in the interests of both customers and taxpayers.’

It was being reported last night that the East Midlands city of Derby has been chosen to host the headquarters of Great British Railways, the industry’s new ‘guiding mind’. If GBR goes ahead after an Act of Parliament is passed next year, it will take over the management of passenger contracts, formerly known as franchises, and also Network Rail, reducing the role of the Department for Transport so that it will only decide broad policy. If Derby has been chosen, it will have beaten five other shortlisted entries from Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York, but at least some of those places could be chosen for GBR’s regional centres. Derby has long claimed to be the greatest ‘railway cluster’ in Europe, and still has Alstom’s train-building works in Litchurch Lane, which was run by Bombardier until recently. Alstom opened a national training academy for apprentices last month, when a plaque was unveiled by veteran Derby South MP Dame Margaret Beckett during National Apprenticeship Week. Although the choice of Derby has not been confirmed, an announcement is expected later this morning.

RMT members employed by Network Rail have voted ‘overwhelmingly’ to accept an improved pay and conditions offer, the union said today. It added that in a turnout of nearly 90 per cent, its 20,000 Network Rail members had voted by 76 per cent to 24 per cent to accept the offer. The RMT National Executive has confirmed that the vote means the end of its trade dispute with Network Rail. The settlement includes an increase of salaries of between 14.4 per cent for the lowest paid grades to 9.2 per cent for the highest paid, plus a further increase of 1.1 per cent for all grades. Backpay will be increased, and a ‘no compulsory redundancies’ agreement has been renewed until January 2025. Network Rail has withdrawn its requirement that the RMT accepted its ‘modernising maintenance’ proposals, and staff will also benefit from discounted rail travel. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that when the union first declared its dispute with Network Rail a year ago, the union was told that Network Rail workers would only get two to three per cent. He continued: ‘However, since then strike action and the inspiring solidarity and determination of members has secured new money and a new offer which has been clearly accepted by our members and that dispute is now over.’ However, further strikes have been called at 14 train operating companies for 30 March and 1 April. Mick Lynch added: ‘Our dispute with the Train Operating Companies remains firmly on and our members’ recent highly effective strike action across the fourteen train companies has shown their determination to secure a better deal. ‘If the government now allows the train companies to make the right offer, we can then put that to our members but until then the strike action scheduled for March 30 and April 1 will take place. ‘The ball is in the government’s court.’ Transport secretary Mark Harper reacted swiftly: ‘I am pleased Network Rail’s RMT members have voted to accept a fair and reasonable 5 per cent plus 4 per cent pay offer over two years that the government worked hard to facilitate,’ he said. He continued: ‘While this is good news, unfortunately, RMT members who work for train operating companies are not being given the same chance to bring their dispute to an end. That’s because the RMT has refused to put the Rail Delivery Group’s very similar offer to a vote, denying these members the pay rise they deserve. ‘That’s why I am once again urging the RMT to call off their upcoming strikes across train operating companies, put the Rail Delivery Group offer to a vote, and give all of their members a say.’

Updated 10.55Avanti West Coast’s contract to provide intercity services on the West Coast Main Line has been extended to October, less than two weeks before the arrangement had been due to expire. A new managing director has also taken over. Avanti, which is owned by FirstGroup and Trenitalia, had come under fire because of its high number of train cancellations and a reduced timetable which it introduced last summer in a bid to work within its resources. Its contract was due to end on 31 March, but will now continue until 15 October. Transport secretary Mark Harper said: ‘The routes Avanti West Coast run are absolutely vital, and I fully understand the frustrations passengers felt at the completely unacceptable services seen last autumn. Following our intervention, rail minister Huw Merriman and I have worked closely with local leaders to put a robust plan in place, which I’m glad to see is working. ‘However, there is still more work to be done to bring services up to the standards we expect, which is why over this next six months further improvements will need to be made by Avanti West Coast.’ Figures published by the Office of Rail and Road at the start of this month revealed that Avanti had cancelled 10.5 per cent of its services in the three months to December last year, which was the worst figure for any operator, although CrossCountry was only just ahead with 10.3 per cent, while TransPennine Express was third worst, with 7.7 per cent. Announcing Avanti’s contract extension today, the Department for Transport said it had recorded ‘significant improvements, including running 40 per cent more services and cancellations falling to 4.2 per cent’, although it also warned that ‘further improvements will be needed over the next six months’. In a notice to the London Stock Exchange this morning confirming the extension, FirstGroup also announced that Andy Mellors has been appointed managing director of Avanti, and that he will taking up his duties immediately. He has previously had senior posts at Great Western Railway and South Western Railway, and most recently he has been managing director of Firstgroup’s open access rail businesses division, which is responsible for Hull Trains and Lumo. He takes over at Avanti from First Rail managing director Steve Montgomery, who has been acting md of Avanti since September last year. FirstGroup’s chief executive officer Graham Sutherland said: ‘We are working closely with government and our partners across the industry to deliver a successful railway for our customers and communities. Performance at Avanti is steadily improving and since the introduction of the new timetable in mid-December, the number of services has increased by more than 40 per cent compared to last summer, with more seats and better frequencies. Today’s agreement allows our team to continue their focus on delivering their robust plans to continue enhancing services for our customers, including further progress on our train upgrade and refurbishment programme.’ Labour’s shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh was critical of the extension. She said: ‘Avanti has literally broken records over the last six months for delays and cancellations, and the Conservatives’ answer is to reward failure with millions more in taxpayer cash. ‘If this is what success looks like to ministers, it shows that under the Conservatives our broken railways are here to stay. ‘The next Labour government will put passengers back at the heart of our railways, and build the infrastructure fit for the century ahead, unlocking jobs and growth.‘ The RMT has also condemned the DfT’s decision, pointing out that ‘Avanti also plans to scrap at seat service catering from May which will mean standard class passengers will not have the option of an at seat service, serving sandwiches, snacks and drinks.’ RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said ‘this was a case of reward for failure which will mean that Avanti owners FirstGroup can continue to make profits on what even Ministers have today admitted is still a substandard service’.  He continued: ‘The government is keeping privatisation afloat regardless of the cost to the rail passengers, rail workers and the taxpayer and the service itself. It is quite clear that the West Coast contract should be bought back into public ownership along with the rest of the railway.’ Meanwhile attention is turning to TransPennine Express, which is also owned by FirstGroup and has also recorded high numbers of cancellations. Its two-year National Rail Contract ends on 28 May, and the DfT said its future ‘will be considered separately with a further announcement in due course’.