In The News | 1st February 2021 | Latest Rail News

Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Monday, 1st February 2021

The latest rail news on Monday, 1st February 2021

The RMT rail union says it would have “no hesitation” in backing industrial action if ministers press ahead with reported plans for a two-year pay freeze for rail workers.

An article in The Guardian says the transport minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, has written to the bosses of the UK’s 22 passenger rail companies warning there is no budget to increase wages for their 62,000 workers.

Mick Cash, general secretary of RMT says the union will have no hesitation in supporting national coordinated action to deliver members the pay rise they deserve.

A spokesman for the Department for Transport told the paper it would be unfair to increase the burden on taxpayers by funding rail industry pay rises.

Hitachi Rail has successfully tested its first battery-powered tram in Florence.

The trial involves installing battery packs on an existing Hitachi-built Sirio tram, which covered a section of the line under battery power.

This innovation allows power to be returned to the batteries when the train breaks, reducing the overall amount of energy consumed and protecting the environment.

Alstom has announced the completion of the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation.

Henri-Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and CEO of Alstom, has described it as a unique moment for Alstom and the mobility sector worldwide, with the creation of a new global leader centred on smart and sustainable mobility.

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Finally, and passengers will be connected better than ever thanks to the launch of free, fast and unlimited WiFi at London Paddington station.

The new service, launched today, is a key part of Network Rail’s efforts to improve facilities for passengers at its stations.

It is part of plans for free WiFi to be available in all Network Rail’s major stations by the end of 2021.

Photo credit: Network Rail

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