Railnews Magazine

The Autumn Budget on 30 October was given a cautious welcome. Proposals to invest in East West Rail, the Transpennine Route Upgrade, HS2 to Euston and tram systems were welcomed, but there was criticism of the 1 per cent real terms increase in regulated fares when compared with another freeze in fuel duty.

Meanwhile, transport secretary Louise Haigh told guests at the opening of the Derby Rail Campus that the industry is ‘failing to pull together’, but she emphasised that major railway reforms have started.

One person died and 15 were injured when two Cambrian line trains collided head-on. One of the trains could not stop before it overran a passing loop, and the RAIB has identified poor rail adhesion.

Two test trains ran on the restored railway between Bletchley and Bicester on 21 October. One was from Chiltern, and the other was a GWR Intercity Express.

Members of the RMT and ASLEF on London Underground were set to strike during November. Railnews reported that the RMT had suspended its action, but cancellation of the ASLEF strikes was only announced after this edition had closed for press.

The Government is launching an independent review of the costs of HS2 Phase 1, KeolisAmey has gained a new eight year contract on the Docklands Light Railway, and Transport for London has awarded a contract for passenger tunnels at Elephant & Castle.

Congestion at London Euston has led to Network Rail publishing a five-point plan to ease the problems. This includes advertising departures earlier, so that passengers do not have to rush to the platforms.

This month’s feature reveals some of the hidden treasures in Network Rail’s York archive centre. They include share certificate No. 1 from the Stockton and Darlington Railway, and drawings signed by Brunel.

Railnews for November is out now.