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InTheNews Sponsored by Petards Rail: The latest rail news on Tuesday, 16th January 2024
New strikes have been announced by the train drivers’ union ASLEF.
An article on Sky News says drivers will stage fresh industrial action and an overtime ban from the end of the month in a long-running pay dispute.
A programme of one-day strikes is designed to “pile pressure” on 16 train companies nationwide.
The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “This is extremely disappointing. Not least to commuters, who have already been so badly hit by ASLEF’s decision to continually strike.
“ASLEF drivers continue to be paid far above what the average person in the UK receives.”
A major new railway station was planned to open in 2024 – instead, it will again go before planners who will decide if work can even get started.
An article on the BBC website says it was estimated Cardiff Parkway would provide 6,000 jobs in St Mellons and could accommodate 800,000 passengers a year between Cardiff and London.
However, after changes to planning policy, the Welsh government said it merited re-looking at plans.
A planning hearing is on Tuesday and developers said they were frustrated.
The Great Central Railway in Leicestershire has announced a voluntary redundancy scheme in order to save around £250,000.
The article in Rail Advent says that whilst most of the railway is run by volunteers, those positions that are filled by paid staff have been offered the chance to apply for redundancy.
Along with the redundancy programme, the railway has sold its 50 per cent share in an 8F steam locomotive to the David Clarke Railway Trust, which is the official supporting charity of the GCR, and the railway says other assets may be disposed of in the coming weeks.
Malcolm Holmes, General Manager, said: “This is absolutely not a crisis situation but a recognition we are not immune to turbulent financial times and we have to plan accordingly.”
A rail line has reopened following a landslip.
An article on the BBC website says part of the track bed near Bicester North station in Oxfordshire had subsided after a landslip caused by heavy rainfall.
No trains were able to run between London Marylebone and Oxford, while a reduced service operated between the capital and Birmingham Moor Street.
Chiltern Railways confirmed on Tuesday that all services have now resumed for the first time since Thursday.
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