This week’s roundup of news from the UK railway industry.
Train passengers face largest fares rise in nine years
Train passengers will be hit with the largest fares rise in nearly a decade next year.
The Department for Transport announced ticket price increases in England will be capped at 3.8% from March 1.
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Transport Secretary refuses to rule out 3.8% rail fare rise
The Transport Secretary did not rule out increasing rail fares by 3.8% when challenged by Labour in the Commons.
Shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh said such a “hike” would be “brutal”.
Severn Valley Railway loco to be renamed for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Suggestions for the new name are being invited so that a shortlist can be selected and put to a public vote.
SWR announces more Island Line services over Christmas
Two trains per hour will start running on the Island Line during peak periods from December 20.
The service uplift is designed to cater to local schools in the New Year and, once current restrictions lift, commuters, representing a stepping stone towards the full half hourly service which South Western Railway (SWR) is committed to deliver.
Azuma arrives in Middlesbrough as LNER launches direct services to London
LNER is celebrating the launch of direct Azuma services between Middlesbrough and London King’s Cross.
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.
- RMT STRIKE ACTION: The RMT has announced strikes to coincide with the re-introduction of Night Tube services on the Central, Victoria, Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines on weekends throughout December.
Our transport network has never been cleaner. Imperial College London 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 your hands before and after travel.
London Underground Status
Due to the coronavirus, the following service changes will be in place until further notice. Please plan ahead and check before you travel.
- LONDON OVERGROUND: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December, a reduced service will operate.
London Overground
Due to Coronavirus, there is no Night Overground service until further notice.
There’s good service across London Overground.
Most London Overground routes are currently operating with revised timetables.
Check before you travel and plan your journey ahead of time.
