In The News: 1st July

Click here to listen to the latest news on Wednesday, 1st July 2020

Train operator Grand Central has announced a ‘measured’ return to service following a four-month period of hibernation during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Yorkshire-based company is inviting passengers to book for its West Riding and North East routes, from July 26.

Grand Central has thanked customers for their support whilst services have been suspended and invited passengers to once again ‘put their faith’ in the company.

In April we spoke with the MD Richard McClean about the challenges and optimism for the future. Click here to read.

Several of the national and local newspapers feature the news that 50 projects to restore railway lines and stations have entered bids for Government funding to reverse the Beeching cuts of the 60s.

The article in the I newspaper said the schemes vying for investment include reopening the line at Ferryhill, County Durham, restoring the Consett-Newcastle connection, and transforming the line at Newquay.

Rail Minister Chris-Heaton-Harris said it underlines how passionate people are about reconnecting communities.

Click here for more details.

Rail companies face fines for failing to compensate passengers for late services, after analysis showed that only a third of them make a claim.

The article features in The Times, saying the rail watchdog is proposing new rules that will put further pressure on companies to raise awareness of the process and make it easier for passengers to secure a payout.

For the first time, the Office of Rail and Road is proposing to add passenger compensation to the licenses it issues to individual operators.

Click here for more details.

Finally, and Network Rail Scotland is restarting work on major construction projects across Scotland’s Railway following a three-month pause due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Work on the £120m reconstruction of Glasgow Queen Street station, the new £14m Kintore station and the completion of the £13m redevelopment of Dunbar station will all resume over the coming weeks.

Network Rail has continued to play a key role in keeping Scotland’s economy moving during the lockdown period – investing more than £64m in projects to renew and enhance the railway during the pandemic.

Click here for more details.

Photo credit: Grand Central

Download article