Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Monday, 1st August 2022
InTheNews: The latest rail news on Monday, 1st August 2022
A train company is warning of cancellations with little notice to its services despite a union denying it was taking industrial action.
An article on the ITV website says Avanti West Coast, which runs services in the north and south of Wales, said unofficial action by drivers means it is facing “multiple short-notice cancellations” on its network this week.
The drivers’ union Aslef strongly denied its members were taking action this week.
Aslef members at Avanti will strike on August 13 as part of a long-running dispute over pay and conditions but the union said nothing else is planned before then.
A full business case has been submitted outlining plans to enhance the Shrewsbury – Black Country – Birmingham rail route.
An article on Insider Media Ltd said the project from Midlands Connect is expected to provide about £23 million of economic benefits, relating to journey time improvements alongside improved air quality, environmental benefits and reduced congestion on local roads.
The track would have minor realignments in two places, within the railway corridor to improve the route for the train and passengers, as well as improvements around signalling on the line.
If approved by the government, work on the scheme could begin as early as 2025.
Hopes for a new railway connecting Surrey to the heart of London have been reignited after a multi-billion pound funding package was offered to Transport (TfL) for London.
An article on Surrey Live says managed by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan the local government department has been battling the government for new funds in the wake of the pandemic as the plans had been put on ice.
However, hopes for the new route have been given a boost after the government offered £3.6 billion on Friday evening. While Transport for London (Tfl) is still considering the offer it would be a huge boost to the areas which have been earmarked on the route.
Finally, Northern has started the process of training its 7,000-strong workforce in how to spot vulnerable people on the railway, whilst at the same time having the confidence to intervene.
Northern’s conductors, customer service and station staff interact with tens of millions of passengers a year – among which will be people subject to abuse, addiction and intimidation.
Having the confidence to act when they spot something ‘not quite right’ requires the right skills and a knowledge of the best ‘next steps’ to help the person in need.
Photo credit: Northern