In The News | 19th January 2023 | Latest Rail News

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InTheNews: The latest rail news on Thursday, 19th January 2023

Cash for a new rail line in Cardiff, an engineering campus in Ebbw Vale and a new cycle route between Llandudno Junction and Betws y Coed has been announced by the prime minister.

An article on the BBC website says in total, 11 projects will share £208 million for Wales from round two of the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The announcement includes £50 million for a new rail line between Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Central Station, which is part of a wider scheme to upgrade south Wales’ commuter railway.

Transport minister, Huw Merriman, hinted on Wednesday that there may not be further large-scale strikes by the RMT rail union if progress is made on a mooted pay deal.

An article on the i news website says he told MPs on the Transport Select Committee on Wednesday that industry negotiations with RMT are now into “detailed stages” that could soon pave the way for a settlement.

Mr Merriman noted that only “the very small number of RMT members who drive trains” would be joining those from train drivers’ union Aslef on the picket lines next month, as opposed to previous strikes that have also seen station staff, maintenance staff and signallers walk out.

Plans have been unveiled to bring a former station and railway line in Yorkshire back into use.

An article on Insider Media Limited says funding is being sought from the government to reopen Askern Station and the Askern Line, between Doncaster and Knottingley, for passenger services following its closure in 1948.

Plans would create new rail links between South and West Yorkshire, bringing economic and environmental benefits through better access to jobs, homes and education.

An official opening date for the Inverness Airport Railway Station has been revealed.

An article on the Press and Journal website says Aberdeen-Inverness trains will soon be serving the two-platform facility, which is located half a mile from the airport terminal, and some eight miles from Inverness and about nine miles from Nairn.

The official opening date is expected for February 2, and it is understood Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth may be cutting the ribbon.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

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