In The News: 15th June

Click here to listen to the latest news on Monday, 15th June 2020

More than 3,000 extra police officers and transport workers will be deployed at main railway stations from today to ensure that all passengers in England wear face coverings while travelling.

The news features in many of the papers today, including The Times which warns that passengers could be prevented from travelling or fined £100 for failing to cover their mouth and nose.

The move, to combat the spread of coronavirus, coincides with the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, with non-essential shops and some outdoor tourist attractions about to reopen.

According to figures obtained by the paper, it is suggested some rail operators are braced for a 4 per cent rise in the number of people expected to travel by rail today, compared with last Monday.

Meanwhile, Avanti West Coast are reminding passengers about the new rules by fitting its iconic Pendolino trains with face coverings.

For more details on the new rules surrounding face coverings, click here.

Yorkshire-based digital technology consultancy 3Squared has signed a 3-year deal, with an option to extend for 10 years, to supply its RailSmart Competency Management Solution to Network Rail.

The deal, which is one of the company’s largest to date, will see Britain’s track and infrastructure owner use 3Squared’s solution to help proactively manage and improve the capabilities of its operational staff.

The design for a new ‘active travel’ carriage on Scotland’s rail network has been unveiled, with Highland scenery and some of the best-known visible landmarks included.

It is for ScotRail’s first active travel carriage, designated for carrying bikes and large sporting equipment

Five Class 153 trains are being transformed to carry up to 20 bikes to enhance existing services on the West Highland Line.

Finally, and the search is on to find the owner of £152,000 in gold left behind on a train.

The story was in several of the national papers yesterday, including The Mirror, which says authorities in Switzerland found the hoard on a train between St Gallen and Lucerne.

In total, more than 3kg of gold was discovered, with the owner having five years to claim their fortune.

Photo credit: Avanti West Coast

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