Railnews Magazine

The latest renationalisation went ahead on 1 February, when West Midlands Trains was taken over by the state, but this changeover was accompanied by calls for more railway investment. The Railways Bill moved to its committee stage, and more than 270 amendments have been lodged.

A derailed train caused major problems in south London on 4 February, affecting passengers as far away as Cambridge, while flooding blocked a number of lines.

The government announced plans for a new railway between Manchester and Liverpool on 14 January as part of a revived Northern Powerhouse Rail.

LNER has ordered the first tri-mode trains for intercity services from CAF. In other rolling stock news, a branch in West London has become the first GWR route to be served by a battery train.

Stranraer station may be moved nearer the town centre, almost 15 years after ferries began docking at Cairnryan instead.

The first of two HS2 tunnel boring machines began its subterranean journey from Old Oak Common to London Euston on 27 January. Meanwhile, Network Rail has revealed the next stages of work to upgrade the West Coast Main Line.

Transport for London has unveiled an ambition to take over Great Northern services between Moorgate and Stevenage by including them in London Overground.

In business news, the intermodal business of Freightliner has been bought by the CMA CGM Group, while Heavy Haul Rail has been launched to run Freightliner’s bulk freight business and Beacon Rail leasing has bought Eversholt.

Nottingham station footbridge is to be restricted at weekends to reduce anti-social behaviour. East Midlands Railway said previous restrictions had cut assaults by almost half.

The Railway 200 exhibition train ‘Inspiration’ is going west this spring, because some of the latest dates include stations in Devon and Cornwall.

Railnews for February is out now.