A GRANT of just over £3.5 million to boost the development of North Wales Metro has been announced by the Welsh Government. The funding is part of £30 million being allocated to nearly forty local transport improvements in Wales. The Metro money, £3.531 million, will be used for 10 schemes
Tag: Wales
HS2: ‘Largest new railway station ever’ plans approved
HS2 west-London super hub, Old Oak Common. All photos: HS2 Ltd The HS2 west-London super hub, Old Oak Common, has had its planning application approved by the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation yesterday. Work can now progress on building what is set to be the largest new railway station ever
Tragedy on the West Coast Main Line: Defining moment in level crossing use
An aerial view of the devastating aftermath of the Hixon level crossing crash on January 6, 1968. The remains of the low-loader still straddle the rail line. The transformer lies beyond the crossing, dislodged by the electric locomotive. PRESS ASSOCIATION In the last part of our mini-series looking back to events
Unions protest about ‘more trains’ plans
THE three main rail unions have written a letter of protest to governments in England, Scotland and Wales, and also to the Mayor of London, as plans to run more trains in the near future become clearer. Transport secretary Grant Shapps has repeated his proposal that working hours should be staggered,
Here’s what you didn’t know about Oliver Vaughan Snell Bulleid CBE
SR Merchant Navy Pacific No. 21C11 General Steam Navigation passes Clapham Junction with the ‘Devon Belle’ in August 1947. Photo: COLOUR-RAIL.COM SR 3 / P. Hughes In a historical review of locomotive engineers, Heritage Railway magazine highlights the career of Oliver Vaughan Snell Bulleid, who succeeded REL Maunsell in 1937. When Richard
21 April: news in brief
Hundreds of retired signallers respond to Network Rail appeal NETWORK RAIL has reported that hundreds of former signallers have responded to its appeal for help during the national emergency. Retired signallers were asked to return to duty while other staff needed to step down temporarily to self-isolate. The returning staff were
Coronavirus Response: Signalling Training Centre Opens in Wales
“It is a remarkable achievement that this fully functioning training suite for signallers has been completed in less than a month. “Under normal circumstances we have enough signallers to keep trains running whatever happens, but these are not normal circumstances and without fully trained signallers it is possible that parts of
Tuesday essay: the end of franchising
The era of risk-taking rail franchises appears to be over. In this week’s essay, Sim Harris tries to predict what will happen now. EVEN before the current emergency and the replacement of all franchises with management contracts for at least six months, transport secretary Grant Shapps had coined a new term
Talyllyn Railway to host Titfield Thunderbolt ‘Watch Party’ online while 1950s classic film is on TV
Former Corris Railway 0-4-2ST No. 3 Sir Haydn is seen slowing to stop at Pendre station on December 29, 2018. GARETH EVANS As part of the BBC’s programme of Classic Films being aired during the Covid-19 lockdown period, the classic Ealing Comedy ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ is being shown on BBC2 this Wednesday
7 April: news in brief
Watchdog calls for ‘clarity’ over season ticket refunds TRANSPORT FOCUS has called for ‘clarity and reassurance’ over the process for claiming refunds on season tickets. Many thousands of people have no need for their annual tickets, because they are now working from home as a result of the coronavirus emergency. Refunds
3 April: news in brief
Trains set to be only long-distance public transport THE only way of travelling longer distances in Britain by public transport will soon be by rail, after the main long-distance coach operators announced that their services will cease by Sunday night. National Express is withdrawing all its coach routes for the time
Freight operators set to strengthen trains
FREIGHT operators are examining ways to load more containers on their trains, as the demand for rail freight services continues to grow during the coronavirus crisis. Network Rail says one million tonnes of cargoes are travelling on the West Coast Main Line every week, with a further 370,000 tonnes being carried
GWR and Southeastern receive new direct awards
NEW direct awards have been agreed for First Group’s Great Western Railway and Govia’s Southeastern, where the existing franchises had been due to end at 02.00 on 1 April. GWR now runs for another three years, extendable to four, and Southeastern for up to two years. Both awards are management contracts for
Industrial Locomotives & Railways of Wales
By Gordon Edgar THE ‘Industrial Locomotives & Railways of…’ series by Gordon Edgar has made fascinating reading, but this latest volume covering Wales may arguably be the best yet. For this book covers the many industries that made Wales famous the world over – namely steel, slate and coal. After a short introduction
Retired railway staff urged to help out during emergency
RETIRED railway staff are being urged to volunteer for a temporary return to duty, as the importance of maintaining rail services, particularly vital freight movements, is being highlighted by the coronavirus emergency. The first appeal was made by ScotRail, but this has now been followed by similar appeals in England and
Coronavirus: train services cut from today
Coronavirus: emergency rail timetables
Updated 08.45 TRAIN operators have started to publish summaries of how they intend to reduce their services from Monday, following the Department for Transport’s announcement today. The aim is to avoid running ‘ghost trains’, as transport secretary Grant Shapps has said, but also to maintain transport links for essential workers. Other forms
From the archive: Three million passengers and counting
Sitting in the shadow of Snowdon in North Wales, Cliff Thomas tells the story of Llanberis Lake Railway, whose foundations stem from a former slate quarry line. A CHECK list of ingredients for a successful heritage railway might include: mountain landscapes (Snowdon, obviously!); running beside a lake; steam locomotives with local
Three million passengers and counting…
Sitting in the shadow of Snowdon in North Wales, Cliff Thomas tells the story of Llanberis Lake Railway, whose foundations stem from a former slate quarry line. A check list of ingredients for a successful heritage railway might include: mountain landscapes (Snowdon, obviously!); running beside a lake; steam locomotives with local
The Golden Age of the ‘Big Four’
No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth near Mossley Hill, Liverpool, on an express to London Euston in 1938. The 1930s were the golden age of the ‘Big Four’ railway companies that arose from the Railway Act of 1921 following the experience of placing the country’s many diverse railway companies under government control during
Industry Insider Week 10 2020 · 12 Must-Read Rail News Stories
Welcome to our Railway-News Industry Insider Week 10 2020, covering all the important rail news of the past week: UK-Europe Rail Cuts 750,000t CO2 per Year | Infrastructure The high-speed rail link between the UK and mainland Europe has given passengers an alternative to flying. Consequently, Eurostar passenger services have removed the
From the Archive: Railway Personalities: George Dow
The story of railway historian supreme George Dow
An official portrait of railwayman and author George Dow. The life of the great communicator and railway historian supreme, George Dow, is recounted by Robert Humm. George Dow was a man of many parts. Professionally he was a career railwayman for his entire working life, much of it spent in public relations
Two of Britain’s Most Iconic Railway Bridges Celebrate Their Birthdays
Britannia Bridge At the time of its construction the Britannia Bridge in Wales had the longest continuous wrought iron span in the world. It used Robert Stephenson’s iron tubular bridge design. The bridge was devastated by fire on 23 May 1970. It was subsequently rebuilt using the masonry supports in Stephenson’s original
Industry Insider Week 9 2020 · 14 Must-Read Rail News Stories
Rail Baltica Estonia Appoints Tõnu Grünberg CEO | Business Rail Baltica Estonia, part of the Rail Baltica Global Project, has appointed Tõnu Grünberg as its CEO. The appointment became effective on 1 March. His background lies in the telecommunications and IT sectors. Read more | Rail Baltica Estonia Appoints Tõnu Grünberg CEO British Stations
£20m funding for new railway stations across the country
British Stations Get £20m Accessibility Funding
21 February: news in brief
Network Rail issues weather warning for north west MORE wet weather is forecast in the North West and Cumbria this weekend, and Network Rail is advising passengers to check before they travel. Heavy rain has already caused flooding in several places on the West Coast and Cumbrian Coast Lines, and Storms
HS2 releases new images of Old Oak Common station
Photo: HS2/PA Wire HS2 has released new images and designs of its west London station. Old Oak Common will have six high-speed platforms and eight platforms for conventional trains such as Crossrail and services to Wales and the west of England. The platforms will be linked by a bridge while the station concourse
Storm Dennis disruption continues
DISRUPTION as a result of Storm Dennis is continuing in Wales, where some routes remain closed. Transport for Wales customer delivery director Bethan Jelfs said: ‘Whilst the situation on the rail network has improved in the past 24 hours, with lines reopening and others expected to reopen today, there continues to
Storm Dennis: Rail passengers urged to check before travelling due to floods
Storm Dennis is continuing to cause transport chaos as train lines and roads are blocked by flooding and fallen trees. Network Rail is assessing the repairs needed to reopen parts of the railway damaged by torrential downpours and strong winds over the weekend. CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Northern, South Western Railway, Southern, Thameslink and Transport for Wales
WiFi SPARK: New Year… Old Customers?
WiFi SPARK was delighted to welcome in 2020 with the news that the first two of many customers will be extending their contracts and continuing to work with WiFi SPARK in the coming years. Class 170 for Transport for Wales © TfW London Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has guest-access WiFi throughout the park. The contract
Industry Insider Week 6 2020 · 9 Must-Read Rail News Stories
Welcome to our Railway-News Industry Insider Week 6 2020, covering all the important rail news of the past week: Network Rail Awards CP6 Signalling Contracts | Infrastructure Network Rail has awarded signalling contracts covering different regions of the UK to Alstom, Siemens Mobility, and Hitachi in partnership with Limbrooke Services Ltd. These
Storm Ciara blocked lines and damaged trains
Updated 12.00 10 Feb. THE clear up after Storm Ciara is under way, but fallen trees and other debris have blocked lines and damaged trains. Passengers were urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary on Sunday, while the storm was at its height. Network Rail warned that while the strongest winds were expected
Train delay compensation needs ‘shake-up’, says watchdog
PASSENGER watchdog Transport Focus says passengers often find it too difficult to claim compensation if their train is late or cancelled. It is launching a publicity campaign today using cinema advertisements, station posters and social media to explain that compensation is available, often after a delay of just 15 minutes, although
£500m promised by Government to restore historic rail lines
Government confirms £500m railway reopening fund
A FUND of £500 million has been promised by the Government as the first step in reopening railways around the country, although only £21.9 million has been allocated so far. Transport secretary Grant Shapps visited the Fleetwood area, where the line from Fleetwood to Poulton-le-Fylde lost its passenger services in 1970,
21 January: news in brief
Industry Insider Week 3 2020 · 7 Must-Read Rail News Stories
Rail Associations Sign Digital Automatic Coupling Charter | Science & Technology VPI, Allianz pro Schiene, NEE, VDB, VDV and UIP signed the Charter on Digital Automatic Coupling in Hamburg on 14 January. These associations are convinced that a strong rail freight sector needs digital automatic coupling. It will encourage a shift
Construction Starts on TfW Metro Control Centre and Depot
The new Taff’s Well depot will be the base for around 400 train crew, 35 train maintenance staff and 52 control centre staff. [Ken Skates, Minister for Economy and Transport, said:” text=”This is yet another major development in Transport for Wales’ plans to deliver the South Wales Metro for the people
14 January: news in brief
Chaudhry-van der Velde to leave troubled West Midlands THE managing director of West Midlands Trains Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde is leaving the troubled company at Easter ‘to take a career break’. His replacement has been named as WMR director Julian Edwards, who is joining now and will work alongside Mr Chaudhry-van
Industry Insider Week 2 2020 · 8 Must-Read Rail News Stories
South Wales Metro Infrastructure Hub Opens | Infrastructure Transport for Wales has opened the South Wales Infrastructure Hub in Treforest. The hub, which contains both distribution facilities and management offices, will help deliver the next phase of transforming the valley railway lines as part of the South Wales Metro project. This
South Wales Metro Infrastructure Hub Opens
Stadler sets spread their wings in the east
‘Pacers’ to work with PRM compliant units
GWR and Northern have indicated how they will combat restrictions placed on the use of Class 142-144 ‘Pacer’ units from January 1, 2020. Both will run a non-compliant ‘Pacer’ with a compliant unit of another type to provide accommodation for passengers with limited mobility and also access to a fully accessible
West Coast looks forward with Avanti
By Ben Jones NEW trains, more services and a better customer experience are the priorities for Avanti West Coast (AWC), which replaced Virgin Trains on December 8. First-Trenitalia’s West Coast Partnership joint venture will operate the country’s busiest inter-city railway until March 31, 2031, during which time it will
NR devolves signalling and track projects to regions
Network Rail’s new geographic regions are now accountable for the delivery of all capital projects within their borders, including track and signalling. Introduced on November 11, this second phase of NR’s devolution process sees more teams transfer to the regions, to NR’s new Network Services division as well to the Route
Llangollen heavy freight 2-8-0 sold – but will remain in Wales for now
From the Archive: P B WHITEHOUSE
In the seventh of our series on the writers and artists who influenced the present generation of rail enthusiasts, Robert Humm recalls the life and times of the photographer, film maker, and pioneer preservationist Patrick Whitehouse. A phenomenon of the golden age of railway enthusiasm – those four decades of the
From the archive: The treasures of Beamish
Mark Smithers visits Beamish Museum, one of the North East’s leading regional heritage attractions, featuring several unique railway exhibits. IN THE January 2016 issue of The Railway Magazine, my feature looked in detail at the Tanfield Railway and its important collection of industrial locomotives, manyof which have a strong connection with
First day of new timetables marred by staff shortages
THE launch of the December timetables yesterday was marred in some areas, although the problems did not seem to be caused by the new timetables themselves. Great Western Railway said ‘an unusually high number’ of staff had not been available for work. It was the last Sunday but one before Christmas,
16 December: news in brief
Driver dies at Tyseley depot THE Rail Accident Investigation Branch has launched an inquiry into the death of a driver at Tyseley depot in Birmingham. What is being described as a ‘serious incident’ occurred on Saturday evening, but no further details have been released. West Midlands Trains said ‘there was a
Industry Insider Week 49 · 10 Must-Read Rail News Stories
Great Western Railway gearing up for biggest timetable change since 1976
GWR will be making its biggest timetable change in December, said to be the most comprehensive since the introduction of HSTs in 1976. More than 75% of the timetable is changed or recast, with faster journeys taking advantage of the superior IET acceleration times, more frequent trains and extra seats.
Margam fatality report highlights lack of lookouts
Middleton Hunslet appearance makes Ribble gala a success
A SHORT-notice agreement to bring the Middleton Railway’s roving Hunslet Brookes No. 1 (2387/1941) to the Ribble Steam Railway (RSR) for its Autumn Steam Gala helped ensure a good turnout for the end-of-season event. The former Brookes Chemicals Ltd 14in-cylindered 0-6-0ST had recently come to the end of a period of hire
‘P2’ fundraising receives two-thirds of £5m target
THE A1 Steam Locomotive Trust (A1SLT) has announced it has received pledges for more than two-thirds of the £5million required to complete its new-build Gresley ‘P2’ 2-8-2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales. Since its launch in late-September 2013 around 930 supporters have signed up to the ‘P2 for the price of a
Industry Insider Week 48 · 11 Must-Read Rail News Stories
Joondalup Extension Works to Yanchep Commence | Infrastructure METRONET in Perth, Australia, has commenced the early works for the Joondalup Railway Line extension, which will connect the city to the northern suburbs, terminating in Yanchep. The total length of the extension will be 14.5km. The main construction works will begin in
Steam locomotives on the East Lancashire Railway
Five things you may not have known about British Rail freight
A big player for the UK economy According to the Rail Freight Group, rail freight contributes £870m to the economy and plays a big part in reducing congestion and carbon emissions. The overall freight tonnage carried by rail has declined gradually, from 175 million in 1973/74 to 138 million in 1986/87,
The Ones That Got Away – Preorder now!
Railway heritage enthusiasts are well served by the legendary locos that have survived into preservation – but not every engine was so fortunate. Some of Britain’s finest locomotives were unceremoniously scrapped long before anyone thought to preserve them. The Ones That Got Away tells their story. Despite the millions of pounds and
Early Experiments in Steam
A working replica of Stockton & Darlington Railway Locomotion No. 1, which hauled the world’s first public train on September 27,1825. Andrew Jeffrey. In less than 30 years at the beginning of the 19th century, steam engine technology went from stationary mining machines to powering the world’s first inter-city railway. In the
Major changes for Welsh timetables soon
Preservation focus: Forgetten Gems
Mark Smithers considers several important examples of narrow gauge and industrial steam locomotives which are not currently in the forefront of public attention. One of the more sobering aspects of the current domestic heritage railway scene is the large number of historic steam locomotives that can for one or more reasons
18 November: news in brief
Guide to Network Rail’s routes and regions
Network Rail’s new geographic regions, established in June, takes on accountability for the delivery of all projects within their borders, including track and signalling. This is the second phase of the company’s transformation into a customer and passenger focussed business. Andrew Haines, chief executive said: “Network Rail’s drive to be more customer and
11 November: news in brief
Class 195 roll-out continues – but ‘Pacers’ will run into 2020
Vivarail battery hybrid trials underway
TRIALS using a Vivarail Class 230 battery hybrid multiple unit were operated on September 9-10 between Evesham and Moreton-in-Marsh. In addition to diesel power on its converted trains, Vivarail can harness battery power, with hydrogen eventually planned. The company is building on tests undertaken in 2018 when its development set No. 230002
Let the train take away the temptation this Christmas
TfW Continues Station Improvement Vision on Borderlands Line
The work taking place includes cutting untidy or overgrown vegetation, replacing signage and relining the car parks. Additionally, rail users can expect to see deep cleaning and re-branding of shelters. Specifically, the re-branding in the stations is going to be in the new Transport for Wales colours. These works should
Zillertal makes its UK debut at W&LLR gala
‘U’ CLASS 0-6-2T No. 2 Zillertal, from Austria’s Zillertalbahn line, made its debut in Mid-Wales as the star of the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway’s (WLLR) August 30-September 1 steam gala. With Austrian flags fluttering and steam to spare Zillertal pulls away from Welshpool Raven Square in front of an admiring crowd
160 years since the death of Robert Stephenson
This weekend marks 160 years since the death of Robert Stephenson, one of the greatest railway and civil engineers of all time. Through cutting-edge transport technology, Robert and his father George Stephenson reshaped the Britain of their day. Here are a few facts you may not have known about ‘the
TfW: 6500 More Spaces to Improve Capacity in Wales
Passengers travelling between Cheltenham and Maesteg, and between Cardiff and Ebbw Vale will see the introduction of Bombardier Class 170 DMUs. Constructed between 1998 and 2005, they feature on-board passenger displays, accessible toilets, air-conditioning, wifi and power sockets. Transport for Wales is taking on the Class 170 fleet from Greater
5 facts you may not know about the ‘Azuma’ train
Three Type 3s – to the sea!
Stanier pair celebrate Conwy Valley reopening
NETWORK Rail and Transport for Wales Rail Services hosted a special main line steam trip on August 3 to celebrate the reopening of the Conwy Valley line in North Wales. ‘The Conwy Quest’, double-headed by West Coast Railways’ Stanier ‘8F’ No. 48151 and ‘Jubilee’ No. 45690 Leander, ran from Chester to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Industry Insider Week 37 / 38 – 20 Must-Read Rail News Stories
After Poland’s accession to the EU, the country received massive economic investment as well as investment in its railway infrastructure and rolling stock. Some of the new rolling stock for the Polish market will be unveiled at this year’s TRAKO. Bombardier, a co-organiser of TRAKO, will present its new TRAXX DC3
TfW Publishes Station Improvement Vision | £194 Investment
Transport for Wales has published its Station Improvement Vision. In it, it says it will invest 194 million GBP (219 million euros | 242 million USD) in improving all 247 railway stations in Wales. Transport for Wales Station Improvement Vision It has published its ‘Station Improvement Vision’ to show off how Welsh
£26m to rescue Island Line
Global Centre for Rail Excellence Backed by Welsh Politicians
Proposals for a new Global Centre for Rail Excellence in South Wales has received a boost after backing from five prominent Welsh politicians. Tonia Antoniazzi MP (UK Welsh Affairs Select Committee member), Christina Rees MP (Shadow Welsh Secretary), Lee Waters AM (Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport), Jeremy Miles AM, and Cllr Dean Cawsey, all visited the site and heard about the proposals
Rise in violent crime on Britain’s railways
The number of violent and sexual offences has increased on Britain’s railways, according to new figures revealed by the British Transport Police (BTP). BTP recorded 68,313 crimes in 2018/19, up from 60,867 during the previous 12 months. Violent crime accounted for a fifth of all cases, while sexual offences increased by
‘Royal Scotsman’ on Grand Tour
Belmond’s ‘Royal Scotsman’ luxury landcruise train – more usually confined to itineraries within Scotland – embarks on an annual seven-night grand tour of Britain, visiting popular tourist spots in England and Wales. On the third leg from Edinburgh to Chester on July 7, No. 66746 leads the train through Carnforth.
Cardiff electrics pushed back to January
RESCHEDULED engineering and testing work in South Wales means electric operation to Cardiff will not now start until January 2020. The December 2019 timetable will see a typical journey time saving of 14 minutes between Cardiff and London Paddington, but the final 10-mile section of 25kV equipment between Newport and the Welsh capital will
World rail infrastructure market – August 2019
Australia: ARTC has appointed Turner & Townsend and SNC-Lavalin to provide programme management office services for the Inland Rail project. Canada: Thales is to supply SelTrac CBTC signalling for Toronto’s Finch West light rail line and Stage 2 of the O-Train Confederation Line in Ottawa. Croatia: HŽ Infrastruktura, the Port of Rijeka
Northern Adds 15 New CAF Civity Trains to Its Fleet
FirstGroup replaces Virgin to run West Coast route
FirstGroup, along with Italian firm Trenitalia, will operate train services on the West Coast Main Line from December 8, the Department for Transport has said. The joint partnership was awarded the West Coast Partnership (WCP) contract, which also includes responsibility for running the first HS2 trains from 2026. But the DfT said
Snowdon Mountain Railway orders battery-diesel locos
UK: Snowdon Mountain Railway has ordered two battery-diesel hybrid locomotives from Clayton Equipment Ltd, which specialises in the production of bespoke designs for specialist railway, metro, mining and tunnelling applications. The 800 mm gauge railway runs steam and diesel locos up the highest mountain in Wales using the Abt rack and
Northern Takes First Pacer Train Out of Service
Inquiry launched into power cuts
AN inquiry has been launched by the government after widespread power cuts brought many trains to a stand, particularly in the London area. Tyne & Wear Metro was also disrupted by the widespread outages, on Friday afternoon. The problems were caused by the failure of two generators according to National Grid,
UK railway news round-up – August 1
Merseyrail top of punctuality charts
Alstom completes first Class 175 DMU refurbishment
UK: Alstom's Technology Centre at Widnes has rolled out the first of 27 Class 175 long-distance 160 km/h regional diesel multiple-units to be refurbished in a £6·7m programme which is being undertaken for Transport for Wales. The Alstom-built Class 175 has received TfW’s exterior branding, with interior changes including fitting USB
Industry Insider Week 29 – 11 Must-Read Rail Stories
All the important rail news of the week, summed up for you in one place: our Railway-News Industry Insider Week 29 for 15–19 July 2019: Refurbished interior of the Class 175 with new carpets and upholstery © Transport for Wales Policy Rail Diversity and Inclusion Conference 2019 © Network Rail Report Shows Progress on
22 July: news in brief
First Upgraded Class 175 DMU Back in Service for TfW
No. 813 returns to the North East for Tanfield ‘legends’ gala
FORMER Backworth Collieries 0-6-0ST No. 12, better known in preservation as Great Western Railway No. 813, returned to the Tanfield Railway to celebrate its North East heritage at the line’s Legends of Industry gala on June 14-16. The 1901-built ‘Swindonised’ Hudswell, Clarke last visited Tanfield in 2007, and again was present courtesy of
18 July: news in brief
Part of flood-damaged Welsh branch line reopens today TRAINS are running once again on the Conwy Valley line in north Wales. The branch from Llandudno Junction was closed on 16 March after serious floods caused by Storm Gareth had damaged more than 9km of the route, including Dolgarrog station, ten level
Unipart Joint Venture Wins Five-Year Contract Extension
UGL Unipart Rail Services Pty Ltd, a joint venture between Australian company UGL (a member of CIMIC Group), and Unipart has secured an approximate $900 million, five-year contract extension with Sydney Trains. Replacing the original two-year contract extension, UGL Unipart will continue the delivery of maintenance and logistics services for
