Chiltern Railways (which operates services out of London Marylebone) has recently announced they are to update its rolling stock, with the introduction of Mark 5A rolling stock on its services. Coming to London and the West Midlands soon - Mark 5A coaches. The trains will be used on the Chiltern Main Line, operating to destinations between London and the West Midlands. … [Read more...]
More Open Access Routes approved on the East Coast Mainline… with a number of denials
The UK Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has been making further decisions about Open Access rail operations - this time on the East Coast Main Line. Some more services to London King's Cross, but capacity is starting to get limited. The additional approved services are: Grand Central: two additional Wakefield Kirkgate to Bradford Interchange services on weekdays and … [Read more...]
UK Government reclaims the Essex Thameside Franchise – c2c returns to public control
With the UK Government continuing its Great British Railways plans, Essex Thameside operator c2c has returned to public hands. c2c moves into public ownership. Pictured, Rob Mullen, Managing Director of c2c, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander - Image, UK Department for Transport c2c operates the Essex Thameside services from London Fenchurch Street (and sometimes … [Read more...]
Eurostar to boost London to Amsterdam route to five times a day
As teased during Eurostar's recent expansion plans, the European train operator is to expand its London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal service to five times a day. The new timetable will go into effect on the 15th December 2025. Eurostar will operate five direct trains per day in each direction, offering passengers even greater flexibility and convenience when … [Read more...]
“Velvet Trains” rolls out – Private High Speed Competition in France
Something... different was unveiled by Alstom in France. A train rollout is normally nothing out of the ordinary. But it seems the first of Proxima (a private entity which wishes to operate high-speed trains on the French Rail network) has unveiled its first train... and its branding. And it's called Velvet Trains. Velvet Trains Avelia Horizon - Image, … [Read more...]
Air Canada expands its Air+Rail options, with Lufthansa Rail Express
Air Canada is expanding its Air+Rail operation with an extension of its codeshare agreement with Lufthansa to include Lufthansa Express Rail services at Frankfurt Airport, operated by Deutsche Bahn. This agreement will allow for intermodal itineraries to be booked in one reservation, offering greater flexibility, more choice, and added convenience to connect with Air … [Read more...]
Eurostar looks to Frankfurt and Geneva for new International Routes
Eurostar is looking at two new destinations for its TransManche (Channel Tunnel) services, with the company unveiling its latest plans. Enter Geneva and Frankfurt. … [Read more...]
JetBlue and Brightline to lauch multimodal travel options in Florida
Multimodal connections are important in travel, as we seek to reduce reliance on cars and non-required flights. Well, JetBlue and Brightline have launched a partnership to offer more travel connections across Florida, bringing a multimodal travel option. For the first time, JetBlue customers can book Brightline tickets directly on the airline's booking engine as part of … [Read more...]
Star Alliance and ÖBB signs for Air+Rail Connectivity in Austria
Star Alliance has signed up another train operator to help extend its reach, with Austrian national operator ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahnen/Austrian Federal Railways) joining as an intermodal partner. This partnership allows customers of ÖBB and Star Alliance member airlines to seamlessly begin or conclude their long-distance journey on ÖBB’s eco-friendly Railjet trains, … [Read more...]
Condor announces Air+Rail expansion with DB
Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Condor are significantly expanding their cooperation and will offer further options for easy and convenient travel to Germany's largest airport in Frankfurt am Main in future. For passengers, it will be possible to book customised train connections for Condor long-haul flights when booking a flight. The offer can be booked from 21 German train … [Read more...]