Rail Travel News
Southern strike enters second day as Acas talks seek to settle dispute
Passengers on Southern Rail in the UK are experiencing a second day of strike action as train operators and staff continue to dispute who should operate the doors. As the industrial action continues, Southern representatives will meet with the RMT and Aslef unions to seek an end to the dispute.
Simplification key to UK rail ticketing overhaul
Measures to improve ticketing information for passengers and make it easier for people to choose the best value fare for their journey were agreed earlier at a forum co-hosted by rail minister Paul Maynard. Working alongside consumer organisation Which?, the department for transport, the Rail Delivery Group and Transport Focus have come together to develop the proposals.
SNCF welcomes new TGV Océane to south-western France
SNCF has introduced newly-designed TGV Océane trains on the line linking Paris-Montparnasse station with Bordeaux and Toulouse in south-western France. SNCF Voyageurs chief executive Florence Parly joined by Alain Vidalies, French minister of state for transport, oceans and fisheries on the first train as it left Bordeaux-St-Jean station.
Aslef drivers strike sees all trains cancelled on Southern network
Rail passengers in the south of England are facing significant disruption today as train drivers on Southern services begin three days of strike action. No services are expected to run on the entire network as drivers begin a 48-hour walkout. A further 24-hour strike is set for Friday.
Gatwick warns of disruption ahead of latest Southern strike
Gatwick is preparing for the latest bout of strike action at Southern Rail, warning passengers to expect significant disruption over the coming days. On December 13th, 14th and 16th, there will be no Southern trains and reduced Gatwick Express services.
UK transport secretary reveals plans to overhaul railways in England
UK transport secretary Chris Grayling has set out plans for improved coordination across track renewal and train operations in England. Plans include the creation of East West Rail, the first new integrated rail operation in decades that is separate to Network Rail, and the closer alignment of incentives between the management of infrastructure and the operation of train services.
UK travellers urged to plan Christmas rail journeys ahead of closures
Network Rail is advising passengers to plan their journeys as early as possible ahead of Christmas. This is ahead of another programme of closures for upgrade work, with up to 200 projects being delivered across Britain over this holiday period. The changes will see Heathrow Express closed for six days over the holiday period.
Dozens injured in French rail crash
Dozens of rail passengers have been injured in France following a collision between a tree and a regional train in the south of the country. The tree fell onto the tracks at Saint-Aunes in the Herault region, leaving the line between Montpellier and Nimes blocked.
CrossCountry reveals Advance on the Day tickets
Leading train company CrossCountry, part of transport group Arriva, has extended availability of ‘Advance on the Day’ tickets to corporate travellers using the EvolviNG self-booking platform. The ‘Advance on the Day’ initiative has seen CrossCountry introduce across all its routes the opportunity for passengers to buy discounted ‘Advance’ tickets within just 15 minutes of their train leaving the station – enabling travellers to make the most of last minute bookings, while still reserving a seat.
Third of UK rail passengers delayed on most recent journey
One in three commuters in the United Kingdom were delayed on their most recent train journey, according to new Which? research. The consumer affairs organisation surveyed nearly 7,000 UK rail passengers, to find the best and worst train companies, and those with frequent delays.
Private bidders losing interest in UK rail franchises
Taxpayers in the United Kingdom could end up footing the bill for rail services as private sector firms spurn the opportunity to run services, an influential committee has warned. Members of the committee of public accounts argued a lack of competition between companies bidding to operate routes could mean the government struggles to get value for money.
Government unveils £1.2bn railway boost in northern England
Rail journeys across the north of England and Scotland will undergo the biggest transformation in decades, thanks to an unprecedented package of improvements being delivered in new franchise deals, the government announced today. More than 500 brand-new carriages, the removal of the outdated and unpopular Pacer trains, room for 40,000 extra passengers at the busiest times, and more than 2,000 extra services a week will all be delivered.