In The News | 20th September 2021 | Latest Rail News

Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Monday, 20th September 2021

The latest rail news on Monday, 20th September 2021

Two new Tube stations have opened in the first major expansion of the London Underground this century.

An article on the BBC says the first train on the new Northern Line route departed from Battersea Power Station at 05:28 BST following a £1.1 billion project.

It called at the other new station, Nine Elms, before reaching the existing station of Kennington.

The West Midlands Metro network will be extended in Walsall, Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton under a wide-ranging plan to revolutionise transport across the region.

Further investment would see rail stations opened, new rapid bus services launched, lower fares, more zero-emission vehicles, a very light rail line in Coventry and miles of safe cycling routes created to support the region’s economic growth and its #wm2041 net-zero carbon targets.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board approved bids to the Government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund and Bus Service Improvement Plan fund which, topped up with local funds, could secure investment of up to £2 billion over the next five years.

Click here for more details.

Transport for the North (TfN) Chief Executive Martin Tugwell will today call for more devolution and new approach to funding for the region: one that recognises that local leaders are best placed to shape the future of connectivity in a way that creates opportunities for people and businesses.

Opening the TfN’s Annual Conference in Leeds, he will highlight the importance of allowing the North’s political and business leaders to decide and deliver on transport needs.

Network Rail is upgrading tracks through the 180-year-old Summit tunnel between Rochdale and Hebden Bridge.

It was built between 1838 and 1841 as part of the Manchester and Leeds railway.

The article on the Halifax Courier says the £2 million Great North Rail Project investment by Network Rail will take place between 23 and 31 October.

Photo credit: West Midlands Combined Authority

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