Railnews Magazine July 2023 Back Issue

The news of a consulation over the proposals to close most English ticket offices makes the front page of Railnews for July. Staff are worried about jobs, while the unions are pledging opposition. We also set out the proposals in detail, and try to answer some questions.

The RMT is also in the news because it will stage three 24-hour strikes at most English operators from next week, as the long-running dispute continues.

Stations are making the headlines too. The latest opening was at Marsh Barton in Exeter, while Thanet Parkway follows at the end of July. A station for Cambridge South has also been confirmed by the Department for Transport.

Franchising has finally ended as the last private sector Caledonian Sleepers ran in June. The operator has been renationalised.

In London, journeys on the Underground are continuing to recover since the pandemic, and have reached more than 90 per cent of the 2019 figures. Meanwhile, in spite of continuing uncertainty about Transport for London’s longer-term funding, the DLR could be extended to Thamesmead.

Another organisation which has had money troubles is Eurostar. The Group has started to repay its debts, but may have to suspend its services between London and the Netherlands while Amsterdam Centraal is reconstructed.

In other news, ScotRail fares rose 4.8 per cent on 3 July, the driver involved in a buffer stop collision at Enfield Town has been jailed after cocaine was found, there have been celebrations at Dawlish where the new sea wall has been completed, West Midlands Trains has unveiled new Alstom Class 730 units, and digital signalling is making progress on the East Coast Main Line.

Finally, the King has recognised the efforts of railway people, because several received awards in his first Birthday Honours list.

Railnews for July is out now.