Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Tuesday, 16th February 2021
The latest rail news on Tuesday, 16th February 2021
A rising number of rail replacement bus services are taking to the roads, prompting claims that transport operators are profiting from train cancellations.
An article in The Times says that figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act showed that 401,746 scheduled rail services were replaced by buses last year.
The article says that train operators insisted that replacement buses were provided only when there was no other option.
West Midlands Combined Authority leaders have given the go ahead for the new £24 million Dudley Interchange.
The approval of the full business case means work can now get underway on a new high-quality bus and tram interchange which will form a crucial part of the wider regeneration of Dudley town centre.
It is due to be completed in 2023.
Free rail tickets for abuse victims to flee their homes helped more than 1,000 people to reach a refuge in the past year.
The article in The Times reads that the temporary scheme, run by Women’s Aid and railway companies, pays for tickets for those given a space in a refuge.
It has funding until next month but the women’s charity is calling on the government and rail providers to secure its future permanently.
Finally, and the National Railway Museum is to launch a new exhibition that celebrates the vital role played by railway key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Named ‘Railway Heroes’, the exhibition recognises the selfless achievements of 16 people from across the rail industry who have played an essential part in the country’s COVID-19 response.
Photo credit: Transport for West Midlands
