This week’s roundup of news from the UK railway industry.
London to Glasgow Central record-breaking attempt fails
An attempt to break the 36-year-old record for the fastest rail journey between London and Glasgow has failed.
Avanti West Coast and Network Rail , in association with The Railway Magazine, had teamed up today to attempt to break the record for the fastest journey from London to Glasgow.
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The intercity operator’s iconic Pendolino set No. 390044 departed London Euston at 10.36 for a non-stop journey to Glasgow Central, aiming to beat the current record of 3 hours 52 minutes and 40 seconds.
GALLERY: Pendolino No. 390044 attempts to break Glasgow-London record
Here are a selection of photos taken from an eventful day on the UK’s railway.
Chris Milner: APT’s 36 year record remains in tact – but only just
“A bid to beat the fastest London to Glasgow time for a train, set 36 years ago by British Rail’s APT-P has missed out by just 21 seconds.
“On June 17, Avanti West Coast and Network Rail, in collaboration with The Railway Magazine made a valiant bid to smash the record of 3hour 52 mins and 40 secs, set on December 12, 1984, but narrowly failed.
“Before the start of the journey at Euston, Pendolino No. 390044 was named Royal Scot by Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy.” Chris Milner reflects on an eventful day.
117-year-old Horden locomotive launched at Tanfield Railway
A seven-year restoration of steam locomotive Horden has been completed at the Tanfield Railway.
The 1904-built steam locomotive was officially relaunched into traffic over the weekend of June 12/13 at the Tanfield Railway.
The railway has described the achievement as a triumph, especially in a year overshadowed by problems ranging from historical accident damage to the theft of £20,000 of components during the first COVID-19 lockdown.
Strikes over guards’ contracts to affect East Midlands Railway services
A series of fresh rail strikes will be held in a dispute over guards’ contracts on East Midlands Railway.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) on East Midlands Railway will walk out for eight days over the summer.
The union has accused the company of issuing inferior contracts to some train guards.
Latest service updates
Gatwick Express – Gatwick Express services remain suspended until further notice.
Hull Trains – Hull Trains are currently running a reduced service, in line with passenger demand and current government advice.
Transport For London Status
If you need to travel this weekend, here are planned works that may affect your journey.
Our transport network has never been cleaner. Since September, Imperial College London has run monthly tests for coronavirus on the transport network and found no trace. You can read their recently published report.
Air continuously flows through all our trains, trams and buses. For example, on average, air in a Tube train changes every few minutes. Buses are fitted with air extraction and ventilation systems and we also leave windows open throughout the passenger area to keep a flow of fresh air.
Please continue to walk or cycle part of your journey where possible. If using public transport, travel during quieter times if you can. This will make social distancing easier. The quieter times to travel are:
- Between 08:15 and 16:00 and after 17:30 on weekdays
- Before noon and after 18:00 on weekends
Our TfL Go app can help you plan your journey and show the quieter times to travel.
You must continue to wear a face covering over your nose and mouth at all times when on the transport network, unless exempt. The overwhelming majority of people are complying with this requirement, and the British Transport Police, the Metropolitan Police and our own officers are on the network to check compliance. Fines of up to £6,400 exist for anyone who does not comply.
Please also wash or sanitise hands before and after travel.
London Underground Status
Due to the coronavirus, the following service changes will be in place until further notice:
Circle Line: Minor delays due to train cancellations.
Please plan ahead and check before you travel.
London Overground
Changes to Stratford to Richmond services on Mondays to Fridays from Monday 17 May until Friday 18 June: The following trains from Stratford to Richmond will not run: 06:05, 07:18, 08:30, 09:40, 10:59, 12:14, 13:29, 14:43, 15:52, 17:05, 18:16, 19:29, 20:44, 21:59 and 23:14. The 22:59 is now the last train from Stratford for stations from Willesden Junction to Richmond and Clapham Junction – later trains will run from Stratford as far as Willesden Junction only. The following trains from Richmond to Stratford will not run: 06:08. 07:21, 08:34, 09:47, 11:01, 12:17, 13:31, 14:45, 15:56, 17:08, 18:20, 19:32, 20:47, 22:01 and 23:17
Changes to Gospel Oak to Barking train times on Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2, Thursday 3 and Friday 4 June: The 0609 train from Barking to Gospel Oak will start at Woodgrange Park at 0612. The following trains will not run from Barking to Gospel Oak: 1954 2124 2254. The following trains will not run from Gospel Oak to Barking: 2040 2210 2330.
Check before you travel and plan your journey ahead of time.
Metros around the country
Tyne & Wear Metro
All day on Saturday 12 June no trains will run in either direction between Airport and Regent Centre, to allow for over head power line work. A replacement bus service, number 900 will be calling at or close to all of the affected stations. Kingston Park level crossing will be closed all day to pedestrians and road vehicles. A shuttle bus will be in operation from about 5.20am until 12.20am, to take you to the opposite side of the tracks. Your journey will take longer, so please leave extra travel time.
For more timetable information visit nexus.org.uk
Manchester Metrolink
England has now moved to the next step of the Government’s Roadmap out of Lockdown. The main change from Monday 29 March is that ‘Stay at home’ regulations have been lifted. Further details can be found on the Government’s COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021 page.
Nottingham Express Transit
Following the latest government announcement, we want to reassure customers that still need to travel with us during lockdown that we will be operating a full service during this time.
Merseyrail
There are no incidents reported.
Sheffield Super Tram
As restrictions ease, we’re increasing some of our services from Monday 12 April. Yellow route services will go back to the normal timetable and evening and Sunday services will increase on the Blue route.
Edinburgh Trams
The first tram and last tram will run at their usual time, but customers should expect trams to operate every 15 minutes during the day with this being kept under constant review.
Glasgow Subway
The Subway is running as normal.
