In The News: 24th July

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The opening of the multi-billion pound Crossrail line will be delayed again because of the coronavirus pandemic, it was confirmed last night.

The Times is among the papers to feature the news that Crossrail said the plan to open the main central section through London next summer was ‘not achievable’.

The article says the progress of the construction of the east-west line, which had been due to start running in December 2018, had been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Plans have been revealed for a £300 million upgrade of Birmingham International railway station.

The BBC features the article on the plans for the platforms serving Birmingham Airport and the NEC, that first opened in 1976.

The Urban Growth Company (UGC), a group set up by Solihull Council to lead on infrastructure investment, said it hoped to revamp the station to be ready for HS2.

Many commuter trains may have to be scrapped in favour of a ‘Swiss-style’ network that relies on fewer but more punctual services, according to a rail watchdog.

Transport Focus said that Britain’s railways would ‘look different’ within the next two years as bosses adapted to a sharp drop in passengers combined with the need to social distance.

In a study published today, it said that half of the people who previously classified themselves as a regular rail commuter were expected to work mainly from home for the foreseeable future.

Finally, and research into boosting mobile connectivity on trains by putting antennas on gantries has been launched by the Government.

The i paper features the announcement by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps that £200,000 will be invested into developing the technology as an affordable solution to tackling internet blackouts on rail journeys.

The Department for Transport said it has funded analysis which found it is possible to attach communications antennas to infrastructure used where overhead electric wires are installed.

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