In The News | 31st March 2021 | Latest Rail News

Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Wednesday, 31st March 2021

The latest rail news on Wednesday, 31st March 2021

Scotland’s main train operator faces potential further disruption as its four main unions yesterday jointly announced that they were considering industrial action.

An article in the i paper says RMT, Aslef, TSSA and Unite, have rejected a pay rise of “tens of pounds”, self-financed by efficiency improvements.

Transport Scotland said that there was no additional funding available, and that any pay increase would have to be funded by efficiencies agreed through collective bargaining, which would be for ScotRail to lead.

Community Rail Network has published six regional and national briefings sponsored by Rail Delivery Group, highlighting how across Britain, community rail has continued to grow and flourish, and adapt to the past year’s challenges.

The reports show that altogether, there are now 74 community rail partnerships, 8,500 volunteers, and 1,000 station friends groups, supporting inclusion and wellbeing, sustainable and healthy travel, economic development and tourism.

Chief Executive Jools Townsend says they will be redoubling efforts to create confidence and togetherness as we start to rebuild from COVID-19.

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A new research project has been launched by Transport for the North (TfN) to help uncover and address the challenges of transport-related social exclusion in the North of England.

The results will inform transport planning in the coming years, helping the region to build back better and support its 15 million residents in accessing jobs, homes, services, and social and leisure opportunities.

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Finally, and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall has met the people who pioneered the lifesaving ‘Rail to Refuge’ scheme, which enables survivors fleeing domestic abuse to access free train travel to a safe refuge.

Rail to Refuge is a joint initiative between rail companies and Women’s Aid whereby train operators anywhere in mainland UK cover the cost of trains tickets for people travelling to refuge accommodation.

In conversation with Darren O’Brien, who first proposed the idea, The Duchess of Cornwall said: “This is a brilliant initiative. And you should feel very proud of yourself. We need more Darrens.”

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Photo credit: Rail Delivery Group

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