Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Monday, 29th March 2021
The latest rail news on Monday, 29th March 2021
Long distance rail operator Grand Central has returned to service following a three-month period of hibernation due to the current national lockdown.
The York-based operator welcomed its first passengers on Saturday as it relaunched some services on its West Riding and North East routes, linking London King’s Cross to Bradford and Sunderland.
Managing Director Richard McClean said the return to service would be gradual but added he was determined to see Grand Central ‘back for good’ following 12 months of COVID-related disruption to services.
Network Rail has appointed Ismail Amla and Stephen Duckworth OBE as non-executive directors to its Board, effective from April 1st, 2021.
Chair, Sir Peter Hendy CBE, says he looks forward to the important contributions they will make to the organisation in the months and years ahead.
The Secretary of State for Transport has also consented to Network Rail re-appointing two current non-executive directors on the Board – Mike Putnam and David Noyes.
The 100th freight train arrived at HS2’s main construction site in Buckinghamshire, as the latest figures show that construction of the UK’s new high speed railway has helped the rail freight industry bounce back from the pandemic.
In Buckinghamshire, the first 100 trains – operated by DB Cargo and Hanson for HS2 contractor EKFB – have so far delivered 150,000 tonnes of aggregate for use around the Calvert Railhead. Transporting this material by rail instead of road has already taken the equivalent of 7,500 HGVs off local roads.
Finally, and Network Rail teams in Hitchin are sniffing out great crested newts thanks to four-legged recruits.
Rocky and Arnie are the world’s first scientifically proven great crested newt detection dogs.
They’ve been out on site before essential work to maintain the track takes place next month to bring smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers.
Photo credit: Jonathon Kirby
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