Railnews Magazine November 2017 Back Issue

RAILNEWS for November leads with the government decision to allow Network Rail to spend up to £47.9 billion between 2019 and 2024.

In other news, the first Intercity Expresses entered service on GWR on 16 October, but the launch train from Bristol was delayed by technical faults. Hitachi has apologised.

THE RMT and Greater Anglia have clashed over strike plans which allow office staff to work as temporary conductors. The Rail Delivery Group, Network Rail and railway industry suppliers launched a ‘Partnership for Britain’s Prosperity’ in London on 30 October.

‘Bridge bashing’ reaches a peak at this time of year, and a new campaign aimed at lorry drivers has been launched by Network Rail, accompanied by a warning that someone could be killed.

Hazards are also the topic when Railnews reports that a warning has been sounded by BTP and Network Rail after a drone was flown illegally within 50 metres of a railway.

The delayed tram train project should be ‘ready’ in September 2018, MPs have been told, but it is too soon to say when public services can be launched.

In Business news, Arriva has decided to withdraw from the competition to run the next Wales & Borders franchise for ‘commercial reasons’, while five bidders have been shortlisted to build the first generation of 360km/h trains for HS2.

The main feature looks at the progress of London Overground since the system was launched in November 2007, and we ask how much politics and politicians have played a part. This and much more is in Railnews for November.