In The News | 1st June 2022 | Latest Rail News

Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Wednesday, 1st June 2022

InTheNews: The latest rail news on Wednesday, 1st June 2022

Rail union leaders have held back from announcing strike dates while discussions continue.

An article in the Evening Standard says members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union voted overwhelmingly last week to take industrial action over jobs, pay and conditions, threatening the biggest disruption to services since the industry was privatised.

However, RMT leaders decided on Tuesday not to press ahead with strike dates after it was revealed that talks have been taking place since the ballot result.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Since the ballot results on 24th May, discussions have been taking place at industry-wide level under the auspices of the Rail Industry Recovery Group (RIRG) to create a framework and structure for negotiations on all issues in the dispute.”

The transport minister has dismissed fears that ScotRail chaos caused by a shortage of train drivers could last weeks, while saying the emergency timetable has been delivering a “reliable service”.

An article in The Herald says the train operator slashed services by nearly a third from last week, including a swathe of late services, due to a driver shortage exacerbated by two pay disputes involving the RMT and Aslef unions after the rejection of a 2.2 per cent pay rise.

ScotRail said the temporary but indefinite move to axe 700 services came as a result of the drivers pay dispute which has meant some refusing to take up the option of working rest days and Sundays.

Peter Robinson has been appointed Managing Director, Business Development, for the Go-Ahead Group.

With immediate effect, he takes on responsibility for UK & international business development activities, including mergers and acquisitions.

The role, the company says, will be instrumental in the delivery of Go-Ahead’s recently announced business growth strategy, The Next Billion Journeys. It will involve working with Go-Ahead’s operating companies to develop the group’s position in existing markets, as well as leading on expansion into new markets.

Click here for more details.

In a special nod to The Queen as we celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, a heritage railway is offering free train travel to anyone called Elizabeth.

An article in the Bucks Free Press says the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway (C&PRR) is offering anyone named Elizabeth or Elisabeth the chance to get a free ride along the line between Friday, June 3 and Sunday, June 5.

During the jubilee weekend, steam and classic diesel locomotives hauling their 1950’s carriages will be operating services throughout the day on the seven-and-a-half-mile round trip between Chinnor and Princes Risborough mainline station.

Photo credit: Go-Ahead Group

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