Transportinfo.org.uk - today's transport news in the uk, hand picked for you each morning

Thursday, 27 April 2017

BBC News

• Northern rail strike to go ahead after talks failRail, Maritime and Transport union members will walk out on Friday in a row over the role of guards.
• RMT members stage rail protest outside ParliamentThe union is in dispute with three rail companies over staffing and the operation of train doors.

Times Online

• Green light for Southern Rail operator [Subscription]Ministers will not strip Go-Ahead Group of the lossmaking and deeply troubled Thameslink-Southern rail franchise as they fear it would cause even more chaos for millions of commuters.

London Evening Standard

• Homeowners living near HS2 route could be eligible for �22,500 payoutThe rail link will bring Birmingham within an hour's reach of the capital by 2026, but those affected by the noise of the trains can claim compensation now

Crewe Chronicle

• Virgin Trains in partnership bid for HS2 Ltd franchise Operator in 20% bid for high speed rail project with French giant SNCF and UK based Stagecoach

Rail Technology Magazine

• Two Full-Mission Driving Cab Simulators for Abellio East Anglia's Flirt Trains Transurb has been appointed as supplier for the two full-mission driving cab simulators dedicated to the training of Abellio East Anglia drivers by STADLER Bussnang last week.
• DfT to introduce new risk transfer mechanism on selected franchisesThe government has claimed that plans to introduce a new risk transfer mechanism, the Forecast Revenue Mechanism (FRM), on selected franchises will help ensure that franchising remains attractive to bidders while securing a good deal for taxpayers. Responding to the transport select...
• Strike to go ahead on Northern as RMT talks break downDiscussions between Arriva Rail North and the RMT union have broken down once again, confirming that strike action will go ahead on Friday this week. The TOC expects to run around 40% of its normal service during the 24-hour industrial action. The news comes the day after the RMT confirmed that...
• PwC economist joins Hansford Review panelRespected economist Daniel Hanson has today been appointed to the Hansford Review panel. The investigation, being led by Professor Peter Hansford, is examining contestability in the UK rail market and looking into options for third-party investment and infrastructure delivery on the national...

Other News Sources

• Calls for transformation under Wales and Borders FranchiseThe North Wales and Mersey Dee (NW&MD) Rail Taskforce which leads the Growth Track 360 campaign has renewed calls for key improvements to be delivered by the new Wales and Borders Franchise. The calls come as the preferred bidders, Abellio, Arriva, KeolisAmey and MTR, put forward their bids for the franchise, which will be awarded in early October 2018.
• NW&MD Rail Taskforce renews calls for service improvements in WalesNorth Wales and Mersey Dee (NW&MD) Rail Taskforce has renewed calls for major improvements to be delivered by the new Wales and Borders Franchise.