Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Friday, 10th February 2023
InTheNews: The latest rail news on Friday, 10th February 2023
Humber MPs have united in a call for TransPennine Express to lose its rail franchise, branding its services appalling and unreliable.
An article on Greatest Hits Radio says Hull’s Diana Johnson, Emma Hardy and Karl Turner, Goole’s Andrew Percy and Lincolnshire MPs Martin Vickers, Holly Mumby-Croft and Lia Nici called for TransPennine Express to lose its franchise.
A TransPennine Express spokesperson said the company knew the service offered to customers was unacceptable and was working to fix the underlying issues.
FirstGroup PLC on Friday said it received a two-year extension for its South Western Railway contract from the UK Department for Transport.
An article on London South East says the Aberdeen, Scotland-based transport company said the national rail contract now runs until May 2025.
Chief Executive Officer Graham Sutherland said: “We welcome the contract extension for South Western Railway, which enables us to build on the achievements of the first two years of the contract and continue improving the customer offering.”
Sir Jonathan Thompson will be taking on the mantle of HS2 Ltd Chair and the responsibility of driving forward Europe’s largest infrastructure project.
Sir Jonathan’s appointment, which follows almost a year as Deputy Chair, comes at a pivotal time for the HS2 programme as the Crewe-Manchester Bill moves through Parliament and work at Euston continues to progress and regenerate the surrounding area.
In his role, Sir Jonathan will be providing strategic leadership, oversight and accountability for the HS2 programme, ensuring it is delivered on time and in budget while continuing to create jobs, boost local economies and provide much needed capacity on our railways.
HS2’s has submitted plans for the 425-metre Balsall Common Viaduct in Warwickshire to Solihull Council.
HS2 says understanding the landscape context was a key focus of the design, allowing the team to create a viaduct that ‘reflects and reveals’ itself within the landscape.
Senior Project Manager for Balsall Common, Alan Payne said: “We’re confident that our plans respect and enhance the local history and natural environment of the area, and will provide new green areas for people and wildlife to enjoy.”
Photo credit: HS2 Ltd
