Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Friday, 8th January 2021
The latest rail news on Friday, 8th January 2021
Rail and coach services will be dramatically cut because of falling passenger demand during the pandemic, it was announced yesterday.
An article in The Times says the number of trains operating will be reduced by up to 60 per cent from existing levels to prevent empty services operating and to save taxpayer money.
The article says that train companies have been told to submit proposals for service reductions to the Department for Transport in the next two days.
The reduction will be introduced from Monday, January 18 and is intended to remain in place during the current national lockdown.
Ticket sales app Trainline has launched plans to raise £150 million as it became the latest firm to bolster its balance sheet in the face of a third national lockdown across England.
That’s according to the Independent that writes that the group is raising the cash through a convertible bond offer and said it would be used for “protecting the business further in an extended COVID downturn scenario while giving greater flexibility to invest in possible future growth opportunities”.
It has also agreed further breathing space on its lending agreements until 31st August next year.
Concern about passengers not wearing masks has increased complaints about personal security on trains to their highest level for seven years.
The article, featuring in The Scotsman, writes that such complaints to train operators increased to account for 6.9 per cent of all grievances this summer, according to the Office of Rail and Road.
The paper says it comes in stark contrast to an overall 69.3 per cent reduction in complaints.
Tickets and refund policies attracted the most complaints, accounting for 13.6 per cent.
Finally, and Network Rail has completed the £161 million brand new platform, Platform 0, at Leeds station.
Work began back in 2018 and the final touches were carried out by hundreds of Network Rail workers between the last service on Christmas Eve and early morning on Sunday, 27 December.
Photo credit: Network Rail – Platform 0 Leeds station
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