Clock is ticking: Govia Thameslink in rush to avoid nationalisation January 25, 2022 Govia Thameslink, one of the UK’s biggest train operators, is reportedly rushing to secure a contract with co-owner Go-Ahead, in an effort to avoid nationalisation. Nationalisation plans were proposed after Go-Ahead failed to file its financial results on Monday – the second time since the Southeastern rail scandal, when the group admitted serious errors and [...]
Rail services affected by worst cancellation period January 17, 2022 Rail services have been affected by the worst cancellation period ever, according to industry data. As a result of Covid-related staff shortages and strike actions, 4.4 per cent of rail services across the UK were cancelled between 12 December and 8 January, PA news agency reported. According to data, since 2014 only two four-week periods [...]
Campaigners fear rail increase will push commuters to cars January 16, 2022 Environmental campaigners believe the increase in rail fares – which is set to go up 3.8 per cent starting from March – will push commuters back to using their cars. “Transport is responsible for more carbon emissions than any other sector,” Paul Tuohy, Campaign for Better Transport’s chief executive, told the Sunday Telegraph. “Considering the [...]
Rail operators scrap hundreds of trains amid Covid-induced staff shortages January 16, 2022 Several railway operators – including Avanti West Coast and South Western Railway (SWR) – were forced to introduce a reduced timetable as a result of Covid-induced staff shortages. SWR announced last week that from Monday 17 journey planners will be adjusted on a weekly basis, with updates being communicated at the end of each week, [...]
Millions of commuters may be hit as national rail strike looms over job cuts and living costs January 4, 2022 A national rail strike looms this week as one of the leading rail workers’ unions is warning it may urge its members to pause work over job cuts. The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) said rail workers faced losing their jobs this year just as the cost of living crisis spirals. The union is calling [...]
From today: Many trains services slashed following staff shortages as strikes and Covid cripple rail networks January 1, 2022 Several train operators – including ScotRail and South Western Railway – said they have no choice but to slash services as a result of Covid-induced staff shortages. From today until 17 January, when the new timetable will be introduced, Southwestern Railway trains will be subject to short notice cancellations. “The onset of the Omicron variant [...]
Covid, closures and strikes impact thousands of Christmas travellers December 27, 2021 Planned closures as well as strikes and Covid have interfered with UK travellers’ Christmas plans, with disruption set to continue this week. Rail operators – including Greater Anglia and ScotRail – were forced to make adjustments to their timetable after staff fell ill with Covid. “The rapid spread of the Omicron variant has seen a recent spike of Covid-related absences [...]
Strikes hit Cross Country trains as people travel home for Christmas December 24, 2021 The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) announced that strike action will go on today on Cross Country trains, creating massive disruption for thousands of travellers on the way to see their families for Christmas. Citing an assault on the “safety critical role of senior conductors and train managers,” Cross Country workers [...]
Rail fares to increase by a third by 2030 as travel numbers plunge December 22, 2021 UK rail fares are on track to increase by over a third by 2030. Data from professional services firm GHD has revealed that by the end of the decade, the average ticket price will increase exponentially, from 36 per cent on the Brighton to London route to 50 per cent for travelling between Ipswich and [...]
Rail fares to go up 3.8 per cent from March, adding to increasing living costs December 17, 2021 The Department for Transport announced today that from March rail fares will go up 3.8 per cent, 3.3 per cent less than the current price index (RPI) of 7.1 per cent. The government’s decision will add to the increasing costs of living, fuelled by a 5.1 per cent hike in inflation rates – the highest [...]