In The News: 22nd April

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The Chief Executive of Network Rail has praised the phenomenal levels of commitment from everyone in the railways, and the skills being used by colleagues to help save lives.

In an interview with railbusinessdaily.com, Andrew Haines has also said they are doing all they can to help everyone involved in the rail sector.

He also says they are continuing to learn better ways to do business, particularly working in a more flexible and agile manner.

You can read the full interview by clicking here.

One of the most important freight lines in the country has been reopened after an unprecedented 24/7 operation to keep the lights on.

The line into Drax Power Station was inundated with flood water in February when the River Aire burst its banks.

Engineers have been deployed on 24-hours-a-day shifts to maintain the constant safety reassurance required to keep freight trains running.

A survey of around 300 rail business representatives has revealed the importance of innovation to the sector, but that far more needs to be done to get innovation into the industry.

The study by the Railway Industry Association shows only 4% believe the industry is very innovative, with over half of respondents saying it was either hardly or not innovative at all.

David Clarke, Technical Director, says the survey should be seen as a rallying call to the industry that there is a focus to continue to bring new ideas and solutions to the market.

Finally, and train track rival firms South Western Railway and Great Western Railway have thrown down the gauntlet to one another in the form of a dance-off.

The story features on ITV of both firms to have joined the coronavirus lockdown craze of choreographing short dance routines on social media.

South Western carried out a platform routine to YMCA, while Great Western Railway staff danced to The Loco-Motion.

Photo credit: Network Rail

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