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

Tuesday, 31 March 2020

BBC News

• Coronavirus: 'Decisive action' taken on rail contractsTwo train operators have been given new franchises by the government to "provide certainty" during the coronavirus pandemic.

ITV News

• HS2 protestors 'self-isolate' in trees to stop woodland being chopped downHS2 protestors have taken to the treetops in Crackley Wood to stop contractors chopping down the ancient woodland.

Times Online

• First Great Western given green light to continue train services to southwest [subscription]The government has extended its agreement with First Group to operate trains on the Great Western main line between London and the southwest for at least another three years.

Network Rail

• Railway in Somerset reopens to help keep key workers movingKey workers, including NHS staff, can now get to work on a more reliable and resilient railway after Network Rail completed nine upgrades between Taunton and Castle Cary in Somerset.

London Evening Standard

• New rail deals signed to 'guarantee services' through coronavirus crisis Follow our live coronavirus updates here Coronavirus: the symptoms

Northern Echo

• Durham based law firm proud to help save Weardale railwayA DURHAM based law firm is proud of the part it played in saving a heritage railway when it was placed into administration.
• Workers clear rubbish from railway line after complaintWORKERS from a North-East mine have been pitching in to tidy up a section of railway line that had become cluttered with litter.

Nottingham Evening Post

• Dramatic drop in footfall at Notts train stations during lockdownPlaces are assigned a value of 100 when they are at their busiest, and 0 when they are at their most empty.

East Anglian Daily Times

• End of the line for traditional trains on Greater Anglia routesNearly 175 years of tradition has come to an end on East Anglia’s railways with the last regular locomotive-hauled passenger services coming to an end with no ceremony.

Train Operators

• LNER sandwiches shared with charity fighting food hungerLNER is continuing to support its suppliers and communities during the COVID-19 outbreak by supplying fresh sandwiches that would have been served onboard LNER services to a charity fighting food hunger.

New Civil Engineer

• Network Rail supports army to deliver NHS frontline face masksRailway workers have driven through the night to deliver two lorry loads of protective medical face masks for frontline NHS workers.

Rail Technology Magazine

• 370,000 tonnes of vital supplies moved across the railway last week Last week alone key workers from Network Rail helped more than 370,000 tonnes of freight to be moved between west London and Cornwall and into and across Wales to support the economy, the NHS, petrol at the pumps and food in shops. The demand has been met thanks to dedication of Network Rail...
• Free parking for NHS and care workers at two major stations Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street stations have made their parking free of charge for NHS and care workers during the coronavirus crisis. Network Rail has relinquished parking charges to display their support and appreciation for their efforts during this challenging time. The...

Railway Gazette

• FirstGroup says new Great Western contract has ‘appropriate balance’ of risk and rewardUK: The Department for Transport has directly awarded incumbent FirstGroup a new three-year contract to continue to operate Great Western services from the expiry of the current direct award on April 1 2020 until March 31 2023, with a possible extension of up to one year at DfT’s discretion.

Other News Sources

• German state of Baden-Württemberg to run battery-powered trainsThe Siemens Mobility Mireo Plus B two-car electric trainsets can operate on rail routes with or without overhead power lines due to their battery hybrid drive.