ORR rejects five open access bids
Several open access proposals being considered by the Office of Rail and Road have been rejected. They include three from Virgin Trains as well as one each from Alstom and FirstGroup.
Network Rail and British Transport Police have launched a campaign to tackle the rising number of sometimes fatal incidents on the railway, many of them at level crossings. Two new safety films have been produced which are intended to give their audiences ‘a powerful emotional impact’ by showing the real consequences of hazardous behaviour.
The contract to run the Royal Train will not be renewed when it comes to an end in March 2027, as part of wider efforts to reduce costs at the Royal Household which are being encouraged by the King. The special journeys made on the set of up to nine coaches will be replaced by two helicopters, although the royal family will continue to travel by service trains.
The Department for Transport appears to have hardened its stance over more open access, partly on the grounds that these services could siphon off unacceptable amounts of revenue from operators controlled by Great British Railways.
No trains are running on the West Coast Main Line between Scotland and England, because the line has been blocked.
Passengers on the Brighton Main Line may face cancellations and delays today and tomorrow, because of the high temperatures.
The Railway 200 Exhibition train ‘Inspiration’ is welcoming the first members of the public at Kidderminster station today. The train was at London Paddington for a formal launch yesterday, where rail minister Lord Hendy marked the start of a national tour which will take the train to 60 places in Britain as part of the Railway 200 national festival.