MPs sceptical about Network Rail’s digital railway plans
The message to Network Rail was clear: “Over ambitious claims for improvements in capacity must be met with scepticism, and Network Rail should be very cautious about how it uses…
Still time to revise plans and resolve the Euston dilemma
Euston. What to do about Euston? Recent years have seen various proposals to rebuild the station for High Speed 2. The latest came a little over a year ago when…
Government’s railfreight strategy is nothing of the sort
There’s a deep irony at the heart of the government newly published rail freight strategy. It boasts that each tonne of railfreight reduces carbon emissions by 76% compared with road…
Britain’s improved railway has to be funded somehow
Nationalisation will solve Britain’s problem with ever-increasing rail fares. That’s a view widely expressed on August 16 when the Office of National Statistics revealed the inflation figure that drives next…
There’s a role for a second train crew man – it’s just different from today
The strike by conductors working for Southern is not the first surrounding driver only operation (DOO), or driver controlled operation (DCO) as rail companies prefer to call it these days.…
Nexus faces tough questions as its seeks to expand North East light rail
The photo was small but eye-catching. In the background, a modern park-and-ride. In the foreground, rusting tracks and plenty of lush, green weeds. The location? Durham, that compact city of…
Safety studies show that DOO need not be dangerous
Here’s a conclusion to start: “A review of the safety implications of DOO(P) indicated that there may be changes to the risk profile, in terms of the likelihood of events…
Switzerland opens Gotthard Tunnel
If you like scenic rail trips through the Alps then the recent opening of Switzerland’s Gotthard base tunnel will not be welcome. If your business depends on freight links between…
First among equals, but the East Coast disputes continue
ORR’s decision to grant rights to run more open access trains on the East Coast Main Line will be causing angst in York and London. York because it’s the home…
RAIL 800: No winners unless GTR and unions reach a settlement
Strikes are a battle of wills. Each side has its determination tested. That’s been clear with the government’s argument with doctors. It’s clear in the argument between Govia Thameslink Railway…