This week’s roundup of news from the UK railway industry.
Shapps launches construction of HS2 Old Oak Common station
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has launched the first permanent construction work at a HS2 station.
The Cabinet minister visited Old Oak Common, west London, which will be the UK’s largest railway station built in a single stage.
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New flexible train season tickets angers passengers
Public transport groups and some passengers have expressed anger after the price of new flexible season tickets was revealed.
The tickets, which went on sale on Monday, allow travel in England on any eight days in a 28-day period.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said part-time commuters on some routes will save hundreds of pounds a year through the scheme.
All Great Central Railway stations to reopen from June 26
The Great Central Railway (GCR) has announced that it will be reopening all four of its stations from June 26, 2021.
During recent months all passenger trains have been running from Quorn and Woodhouse Station operating a single round trip service only.
As from Saturday 26 June visitors will be able to board and disembark from the trains at Loughborough, Quorn & Woodhouse, Rothley and Leicester North Stations.
Severn Valley Railway’s Harrier Hydroshunter project passes significant milestone
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is celebrating the successful completion of the latest stage of its Harrier Hydroshunter project, with the removal of the original diesel engine from a Class 08 ‘donor’ shunter.
The SVR is working with the University of Birmingham and Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions to carry out the UK’s first-ever conversion of a diesel shunter to run on hydrogen power.
The railway hired in a giant 100-tonne crane to lift the diesel engine out of the Class 08 shunter, 08635, at its Kidderminster diesel depot. Now the project can progress to the next stage, the installation of a hydrogen-battery hybrid traction system, that’s being developed at the University of Birmingham.
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
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.
