In The News | 18th March 2022 | Latest Rail News

Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Friday, 18th March 2022

InTheNews: The latest rail news on Friday, 18th March 2022

An innovative overhead electrification system could mean the end for diesel on electrified rail routes.

The technology was demonstrated at a rail terminal in Northamptonshire, and it could mean a major boost to the industry’s net-zero ambitions.

The project, Decarbonisation & Electrification of Freight Terminals (DEFT), was funded by the Department for Transport and Innovate UK.

It has seen project partners Furrer+Frey GB, Tarmac and GB Railfreight demonstrate a new way of decarbonising rail and lessen freight’s impact on passenger journeys.

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Construction work has started on the new £26.5 million White Rose Rail Station in Leeds.

An article on insider media limited says the project is being brought forward in partnership by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds City Council, Munroe K, Network Rail and the Department for Transport.

The rail station, between Morley and Cottingley on the Transpennine route, is designed to make it easier to walk, cycle and use public transport, connecting more people with job, training, education and leisure opportunities.

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Omicron restrictions from October to December failed to halt an upward trend in people going back to the railways.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) says that passenger journeys increased to 285 million during this time and the increase in passengers seen across 2021-2022 was not halted.

The numbers were the highest since January to March 2020.

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Refugees fleeing conflict in the Ukraine are able to travel for free on Transport for Wales services.

The announcement was made by First Minister Mark Drakeford to help those staying in Wales. The initiative will last for six months and just needs Ukrainian nationals to show a passport to station staff and conductors.

The scheme is an extension of an ongoing Welsh Government programme which provides free public transport for asylum seekers in Wales, as part of its ambition to become the world’s first Nation of Sanctuary as endorsed by the United Nations.

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Photo credit: Furrer+Frey

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