Virgin Tunnel: Richard Branson could challenge Eurostar monopoly
Sir Richard Branson, the British entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, is reportedly gearing up for a bid to break Eurostar’s long-held monopoly on Channel Tunnel rail services. The news, according to sources cited...Read more
Network Rail receives final funding determination for next five-years
It’s a complicated negotiation, but then again it is a negotiation over a multi-billion pound settlement. After a round of requests and counter-proposals, the government in London has proposed to the infrastructure management agency Network...Read more
Alstom extends partnership with CrossCountry
Alstom has successfully clinched an extensive eight-year contract extension with CrossCountry in the United Kingdom, a substantial agreement valued at approximately 950 million euros. This contract extension serves as a concrete testament to the enduring...Read more
In the UK, the world’s fastest diesels live on
It may no longer be the frontline workhorse of intercity travel, but reports of the demise of the Iconic HST is greatly exaggerated. Ruling the rails has been passed to the next generation, and sets...Read more
Eurostar passes on Kent until 2025
Eurostar may have amalgamated with Thalys earlier this year, but there’s no early anticipation of restoring stops at Ashford and Ebbsfleet, the stations largely built to connect Kent with international services. Eurostar’s Chief Executive, Gwendoline...Read more
Lankhorst Rail to assist Network Rail in recycled plastic sleeper project
Network Rail has recently awarded Lankhorst Rail a contract to assist in the development of the next generation of railway sleepers, with the aim of exploring more environmentally friendly alternatives. The project focuses on the...Read more
Investigation into Flying Scotsman collision at Aviemore Station
Britain’s official safety watchdog, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), has launched a full scale investigation into an incident last month involving the world-renowned steam locomotive, Flying Scotsman. The century-old locomotive collided with a set...Read more
British high-speed rail project HS2 accused of huge fraud
Britain’s beleaguered high-speed rail project HS2 has been accused of scandalous levels of fraud and mismanagement of funds amid soaring costs and government cut backs. The line, originally intended to connect much of the country,...Read more
British pioneers spark new battery-powered life into centurion shunter
Don’t try to tell Positive Traction that there is no future in the most humble of locomotives still at work today. Quite the opposite. The British technological achievers see a long life ahead for the...Read more
New operator Evolyn hopes to challenge Eurostar’s reign in the Channel Tunnel
Two weeks ago, the last red train adorned with the Thalys name left Paris for Brussels. Henceforth, high-speed rail connections between London and Paris, but also Belgium and the Netherlands, will be run exclusively under...Read more
‘HS2 cancellation puts half a million trucks on British roads’
In the UK, the decision has been taken to scale back the HS2 high-speed rail project, and cancel everything except the London – Birmingham core route and a short branch to the East Midlands. That...Read more
Digital freight wagon by VTG and Knorr-Bremse sets out on UK trial
Leasing company VTG Rail UK and Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems have introduced Britain to what they call a digital freight wagon. The partners have unveiled an example of rolling stock that’s connected to more than just...Read more
CrossCountry wins new contract and proposes historic Edinburgh-Cardiff train
The UK government’s Department for Transport (DfT) has granted CrossCountry, an arm of the Arriva Group, a new contract to continue operating its extensive long-distance and inter-regional services throughout Great Britain. The renewed contract encompasses...Read more