In The News | 3rd October 2022 | Latest Rail News

Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Monday, 3rd October 2022

InTheNews: The latest rail news on Monday, 3rd October 2022

Southeastern has become the latest commuter train operator to scrap first-class carriages as the Department for Transport orders companies to cut costs due to a low demand post-pandemic.

An article on the Daily Mail says Whitehall officials approved a call to axe first-class tickets and free up seats after rail chiefs revealed only 28 annual season ticket holders paid the premium fare.

The nationalised south-east operator, which runs 1,500 services from Sussex to Kent, is the latest to ditch commuter first-class tickets, following Greater Anglia, West Midlands, East Midlands, and the Stansted Express.

Willenhall and Darlaston stations are set to open in 2024 as part of West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) plans to improve connectivity across the region.

An article on the Express & Star says West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has revealed train bosses have now included the stops in timetables.

The stations cost £54 million combined and will boost jobs and growth in the area once up and running, the Mayor said.

The biggest awards event in the heritage rail sector is set for one of the most significant overhauls in its history with several new categories.

The Heritage Railway Association Annual Awards is set to feature five brand new categories for 2023.

The new categories, together with changes to several existing categories, have been designed to ensure that the awards can continue to recognise the very best work across the whole of the heritage rail sector.

Click here for more details.

HS2 and Braidwood Trust School for the Deaf hosted a red carpet premiere for a short film they have worked together to create.

‘HS2: Building a railway for everyone’ highlights the power of hearing in a station environment and shows how the school’s pupils are working with HS2 to ensure Britain’s new railway is inclusive and accessible for all.

The innovative partnership with Braidwood School is just one of the ways that HS2 is listening and learning from disabled people to drive positive change.

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Photo credit: HS2 Ltd

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