In The News: 28th April

Click here to listen to the latest news on Tuesday, 28th April 2020

We start with Government plans for life after lockdown which includes a radical rethink of how public transport operates to keep travellers two metres apart at all times.

That’s according to an article in the Daily Telegraph which says minister plans include commuters wearing cloth masks.

The new rules will require train operators and other bodies such as Transport for London to clearly mark platforms and carriages with two-metre lines to enable travellers to keep their distance.

Meanwhile in a separate article in the paper, it says the railways have told ministers that they need four weeks’ notice to get services back fully up and running.

Railway workers have today stopped for a minute’s silence to remember those who have lost their lives, and to pay tribute to those undertaking vital front-line work.

Transport for Wales, Chiltern Railways and GB Railfreight are just a few of many marking International Workers’ Memorial Day.

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO, said they are proud to stand with their trade union partners and remember those who have lost their lives.

GB Railfreight has successfully trialled the express delivery of parcels using former commuter trains.

A service was run into Euston station using a 100mph, Class 319, EMU train.

GB Railfreight is now in discussion with the Government about how the service could play a role in helping deliver supplies to UK hospitals.

Finally, and a gin distillery turned hand sanitiser producer is helping essential railway staff to keep freight and passenger trains moving across the West Midlands and Chilterns area.

Network Rail signallers are using the sanitiser which has been made by the Worcester-based Piston Gin, as part of their daily cleaning and social distancing routines.

Photo credit: GB Railfreight

Download article