Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Monday, 19th February 2024.
InTheNews: The latest rail news on Monday 19th February 2024
Rail passenger numbers could nearly double by 2050 compared with pre-pandemic levels, according to research.
An article on The Standard website says demand will grow by between 37 per cent and 97 per cent by that point under various scenarios, the study commissioned by industry body Railway Industry Association (RIA) said.
Under “any scenario”, the number of people wanting to travel by train “will grow well beyond the capacity provided for today”, the report conducted by consultancy Steer added.
This is “growth that government policy, rail services and operators will need to accommodate”, it added.
Passengers in South Wales could soon benefit from better connectivity as the Transport Secretary visits the Vale of Glamorgan today (19 February 2024) to announce the UK government’s support for plans to improve rail links in the region.
As part of his visit, he will join local people including Vale of Glamorgan MP Alun Cairns to announce the UK government’s commitment to fund the development of a business case to look at options for a new station in St Athan.
A new station would restore services on the Vale of Glamorgan line to the area for the first time in 60 years, reconnecting thousands to jobs, education and business opportunities.
Network Rail and South Western Railway have officially switched on new signalling equipment to bring more reliable journeys to customers travelling between Reading, London and Guildford.
From Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February, Network Rail completed the final phase of the resignalling work in the Wokingham area as part of the five-year £375 million programme of work to bring the 1970s signalling equipment up to modern standards.
During the most recent nine-day closure, engineers worked around the clock to install 43 new signals as well as upgrade two level crossings at Wokingham station and Easthampstead Road (Star Lane) and renew a double railway junction at Wokingham.
People living in the Maesteg valley are set to benefit from brand new trains after their introduction this week.
Assembled in Wales, the Class 197 fleet have been cleared to operate on the Maesteg line down into Bridgend and across to Cheltenham Spa via Cardiff, Newport and Chepstow.
The trains are part of an £800 million investment by Transport for Wales to upgrade rolling stock.
Photo credit: RIA/Shutterstock
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