Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Tuesday, 23rd May 2023
InTheNews: The latest rail news on Tuesday, 23rd May 2023
Train passengers could be set to lose access to wifi on trains in England, as the Department for Transport (DfT) tells operators to cut costs.
An article on the i news website says the government has told railway companies to scrap onboard Wi-Fi unless they can make a business case for it, as the DfT says it is looking at new ways of making train services “financially sustainable”.
Currently, free Wi-Fi is offered on the majority of train networks in England, but it could be axed as part of a cost-cutting drive.
Passengers should finally be able to use the Wolverhampton Metro extension this summer, if final tests are successful.
An article in The Express and Star says the long-awaited £50 million Metro link from St George’s down Piper’s Row to Railway Plaza was meant to be completed in 2020 but has been beset by budget hikes and delays.
However, Midland Metro Alliance have announced the end is in sight for the major construction project to extend the line 700 metres.
The Llangollen & Corwen Railway’s new Corwen station saw its first steam-hauled test train pull away from the platform.
An article on the Shropshire Star website says the run was made to test the water tower and run-round line that will be used for all Llangollen & Corwen Railway services from June 3.
The 1943-built Austerity tank locomotive No 68067 was driven by Harry Barber, who has been a volunteer at the railway for over 30 years, and fireman Phil Morrey.
The Elizabeth line’s full peak timetable has commenced following the May timetable change.
Peak time frequencies will increase from 22 to up to 24 trains per hour between Paddington and Whitechapel, with 16 trains per hour running off-peak. The peak will also now last for longer, increasing capacity even further.
This week marks the first anniversary of the opening of the Elizabeth line to passengers on 24 May 2022.
Photo credit: Transport for London
