Railnews Magazine August 2022 Back Issue

THE very hot weather in July proved to be a gruelling test for the railways, and Railnews for August leads on the news that Network Rail is setting up a taskforce with the aim of improving the railway’s resilience in the face of climate change.

Industrial problems continued during July, and RMT general secretary Mick Lynch warned that the government’s proposed tightening of union legislation could lead to a general strike. Meanwhile, more strikes have been called for August.

In other news, six places are shortlisted to be the headquarters of Great British Railways, a committee of MPs has called for a review of the Integrated Rail Plan, doubts continue over Transpennine upgrade and there are increasing doubts about the future of East West Rail, after remarks made by transport secretary Grant Shapps in a radio interview.

Work is continuing to modernise the railway. A project to protect the railway in Hampshire from landslips was completed on time, power supplies in Scotland are to be improved and Laing O’Rourke is to build HS2’s interchange station near Birmingham.

Rolling stock news includes the start of production by Stadler of tri-mode Class 93 locomotives, but the launch of battery-operated Vivarail units in Wales has been delayed.

In Metro news, the London Overground extension to Barking Riverside opened on 18 July.

Train operators are trying to ensure that they play a significant role in the new railway under Great British Railways, and they launched a new trade organisation on 20 July.

Railway safety is still making headlines, and the RSSB warned that more people are ‘taking chances’ at level crossings.

This month’s feature considers the knotty problem of integrating railways with trams and buses, and asks if Great British Railways will be able to improve matters.

Railnews for August is out now.