Rail Travel News
UK government seeks high-speed Wi-Fi roll out across rail network
The government has revealed a plan that could see the UK’s train passengers to benefit from a dramatic improvement in onboard mobile and Wi-Fi connections. The rapid growth of mobile data requirements and the use of smartphones and tablets now means that consumers expect high quality, reliable connectivity everywhere.
UK government announces £400m in infrastructure spending for north England
The UK government has backed transport improvements across the northern of England with £400 million of extra funding. More than £100 million will go towards local road schemes to bust congestion pinch-points and speed up journeys, while an extra £300 million will help push forward plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail to bolster links between Northern towns and cities with more frequent and faster services.
Caledonian Sleeper unveils new rolling stock designs ahead of 2018 launch
Caledonian Sleeper has offered a glimpse of its brand new £150 million fleet of trains ahead of their introduction next year. A dedicated website has been launched where details of the trains will continue to be revealed ahead of their phased introduction to service from spring 2018.
UK scraps plans to electrify rail lines across country
The UK department of transport has scrapped plans to electrify railway lines in Wales, the Midlands and the North. The cost of the proposed plans had spiralled upward, leading the government to rethink the initiative.
Advanced tickets to be sold on day of travel by UK train operators
Seven rail companies in the UK have agreed to allow passengers to buy advance tickets until as close as ten minutes before a journey starts. Such tickets are often cheaper for travellers.
Breaking Travel News investigates: Amadeus Rail Innovation Forum 2017
The Amadeus Rail Innovation Forum is a unique and popular event for rail operators, travel agencies and technology partners worldwide, with Breaking Travel News editor Chris O’Toole here visiting to gauge the mood of the sector in 2017.
London Night Tube drivers to be balloted on potential strike action
Drives on the London Night Tube are to be balloted over potential strike action, the RMT union has confirmed. The decision is the latest stage in a long-running dispute over pay and jobs on the newly launched service.
CrossCountry goes round the clock on social media support
CrossCountry has enhanced its commitment to customer service by launching a 24-hour, seven day a week online customer contact service.
End in sight for Southern Rail strikes
Following two weeks of intensive talks, ASLEF and GTR Southern have reached a provision agreement on the long-running dispute between the two. The talks have sought to resolve the on-going dispute between train divers and Southern Rail.
UK train companies to overhaul ticketing systems
Changes to rail fares that would guarantee customers simpler fares and the best possible deal every time they travel are set to be trialled by train companies. Passengers on trains between London and Sheffield or Scotland will be among the first to benefit from an overhaul of rail fare regulations as part of the tests agreed between train companies and the government.
CrossCountry waives Advance admin fees
In a rail industry exclusive, leading train company CrossCountry has announced it has removed the administration fee charged when customers need to change the date or time of their Advance ticket. Because Advance tickets are intended for specific trains and set times, the rail industry charges a £10 administration fee if a customer needs to change their plans.
UK rail passengers see prices increase as new year begins
Rail passengers in the UK have seen ticket prices rise by an average of 2.3 per cent on the first week day of the new year. The increase, which is pegged to inflation, covers regulated fares, including season tickets, and unregulated, such as off-peak tickets.