Rail Travel News
UK government unveils plans for free wi-fi on trains from 2017
Rail passengers will benefit from free wi-fi on trains across England and Wales from 2017, UK rail minister Claire Perry has announced. Train operators are being asked to set how they will meet the commitment to provide this important service for passengers. All train operators bidding for new franchises and direct award agreements will have to include this specification in their bid.
Dawlish rail closure cost UK economy £1.2 billion
A report from the Devon Maritime Forum has claimed the closure of the mainline railway linking Devon and Cornwall could have cost the UK economy as much as £1.2 billion. Train services were cut after tracks were destroyed at Dawlish in early 2014 during severe storms. The forum said “all industries were hit” by the destruction of the line.
Passenger Focus calls on rail industry to decriminalise fines
The independent watchdog Passenger Focus has renewed its call to the rail industry to play fair with passengers who don’t have a ‘valid’ ticket. Passenger Focus chairman Colin Foxall said: “It is right that train companies should take steps to stop those who try to evade paying fares.
EvolviNG pushes down rail costs for travel management companies
Corporate clients of travel management companies using the EvolviNG online rail booking platform paid less on average for rail journeys in 2014 than the previous year. Analysis by Evolvi Rail Systems shows that its one million registered users of the system paid £58.73 as an average ticket value in the last 12 month, compared to £59.03 in 2013.
Passenger Focus again calls for improvement on UK rail network
As satisfaction declines, the independent watchdog Passenger Focus has again called for the UK rail industry and government to boost the passenger voice in decisions around getting trains on time versus running more services. Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Passenger Focus, said: “Rail passengers’ satisfaction is driven by getting trains on time.”
Irish Rail reveals ambitions for Dublin Airport
Irish Rail has revealed plans to run trains direct from Dublin Airport to Cork, Galway and Belfast. Irish Rail chief executive, David Franks, said the development could cost as little as €300m, while offering a significantly boosting tourism.
Global investment firm KKR acquires Trainline
Global investment firm KKR has acquired Trainline, the UK’s leading online platform for selling rail tickets to both consumers and businesses. Trainline has 4.7 million active customers, 20.8 million visits per month and operates platforms for both consumers and businesses. Trainline is licensed to sell rail tickets on behalf of all UK train operating companies, Deutsche Bahn and Trenitalia.
Eversholt Rail Group sold to CK Investments for £2.5bn
CK Investments has agreed to purchase Eversholt Rail Group from it current owners, a consortium comprising 3i Infrastructure plc, Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners and STAR Capital Partners. CK Investments is the vehicle of Asia’s richest man, Li Ka-shing, with the deal believed to be worth £2.5 billion.
St Pancras becomes first UK train station to get own app
St Pancras International is set to change the way consumers interact with the station as it becomes the first UK train station to launch its own app. The new free app gives users a chance to delve into the history of the Grade 1 listed building, pick up facts about the area and even hear about special retail offers before anyone else based on their preferences.
Ten killed in Texas as train collides with vehicle
Ten people have been confirmed dead following a collision between a train and a bus carrying prisoners in Texas. The vehicle is believed to have lost control on an icy stretch of road before sliding down an embankment and hitting the train.
Rail fares increase as passengers return to work
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin has visited Birmingham New Street station as passengers greet annual increases in rail fares. Regulated fares - including season tickets - have risen by up to 2.5 per cent, while the average fare of a rail ticket in Britain will increase by 2.2 per cent.
Rail fares set to rise by 3.5 per cent in England and Wales
Rail fares are set to rise by 3.5 per cent in January 2015 following the confirmation of the latest inflation figures. Under the formula, fares in England and Wales are due to go up by July’s retail price index measure of inflation, plus one per cent.