A working group has met for the first time to prepare a feasibility study examining the potential for a direct Caledonian Sleeper service to mainland Europe. The Scottish Government had committed itself in its last manifesto to look at such a scheme.

The rules about 16-17 Railcards have been changed, so that they give young people a longer period of half-price travel. Until now, these Railcards had expired when the holder reached the age of 18, but from 17 August the cards will be valid for a year after purchase, even if they have been bought one day before the holder reaches 18.

A new station was officially opened in Devon on 31 July, and trains started calling the following day. Okehampton Interchange is on the outskirts of the town, where the new ?18 million station has a 200-space car park, sheltered cycle storage and a covered bus interchange, with electric vehicle charging points also planned.

HS2 Ltd has renegotiated two major contracts in a bid to reduce the costs of the project, but chief executive Mark Wild warns ‘there’s more to do’.

The RMT has called its 70 members at Manchester Piccadilly who work for Avanti West Coast out on strike again, in a dispute over the allegedly unfair dismissal of one of their colleagues. The 24-hour walkouts are set to be staged on 1 and 29 August, and again on 10 October.

Trains have returned to a south Devon station which was badly damaged by fire on 21 July. Trains are running again between Paignton, Newton Abbot, Exeter and Exmouth, but intercity services which usually run to Paignton are terminating at Exeter St David’s or Newton Abbot.

ORR sets out plans for railway reforms

Busy holiday resort station remains closed after fire

Trains slow down after long dry spell

RMT to strike over train faults at East Midlands Railway

New information system on trial in Scotland from today

East Midlands Railway cuts intercity timetable as 810s falter