Economy Class & Beyond

Christmas Rail Travel to and from London airports (hint: lots of closures)

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It's coming up to Christmas - and in the UK - you should know what that means. Yes - it's time for engineering work to be carried out and lots of line closures! Let's concentrate on Airports first London Heathrow Heathrow Express - Not operating between 24th December and 27th December Heathrow Connect -Not operating between 24th December and 27th December Yes - … [Read more...]

London Overground to offer “Night Overground” services!

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For a year or so, the Night Tube in London has been a thing, giving twenty-four hour access to certain London Underground services during Friday and Saturday Nights. Well, it seems London Overground (the "Heavy Rail" service) will also be joining the party from the 15th December. London Overground Class 378 Electrostar - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. The new … [Read more...]

Trainy McTrainface becomes a reality

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Earlier on this year, MTR Express of Sweden said they would name a train "Trainy McTrainface". And how we all laughed. Or cried. Or something in between. Well, MTR Express has followed through with their promise...  and thus Trainy McTrainface was christened.   Trainy Mctrainface being christened - Image, MTR Express via YouTube Trainy McTrainface … [Read more...]

Expensive train journeys: The Arlanda Express

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In the past, I've stated Heathrow Express is plain expensive way to get from an airport to a city. Well, I think I've found a new candidate: step forward the Arlanda Express. Arlanda Express train coming into Stockholm Arlanda Terminal 5 Station - Image, Economy Class and Beyond Inside the Arlanda Express - Image - Economy Class and Beyond Arlanda Express … [Read more...]

The West Midlands Rail franchise Awarded to….

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We have a new operator of trains in the West Midlands and beyond - and the train company called ... wait for it.... West Midlands Trains. Creative eh? West Midlands Trains (company) is made up of Abellio (subsidiary of Nederlandse Spoorwegen - the Dutch national rail operator),  East Japan Rail Company and Mitsui & Co. They will take over from incumbents … [Read more...]

Swedish Train Operator names train “Trainy McTrainFace”

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In the UK, we like to laugh at ourselves... especially when we tried to name a research ship Boaty McBoatface...and failed (although a remote controlled sub was called Boaty McBoatface... so not a total loss).However it seems in Sweden, MTR Express are to name a train... wait for it ... Trainy McTrainFace.MTR Express Trainy McTrainFace  - Image, MTR ExpressTrainy … [Read more...]

Government cancels Electrification upgrades on three rail lines

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Her Majesties Government in its infinite wisdom after years of promising major upgrades three main rail lines by electrifying them - have withdrawn the plans to electrify the lines. Paddington Station. Don't expect to catch an all-electric train between here and Swansea - Image, Economy Class and Beyond The lines affected include: The Midland Main Line … [Read more...]

A new Tube Map – for those who suffer with claustrophobia (or don’t like tunnels)

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The London Underground sometimes isn't the most pleasant place to be - least of all when it's peak hour, with people crammed in tight. For those who suffer with claustrophobia or other anxiety conditions - its even worse. For those who suffer, or need to plan in advanced, Transport for London have released a new map - one that shows all the tunnels on it. London Underground … [Read more...]

SNCF opens up two new high speed lines

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SNCF has been busy, and yesterday formally launched two new extensions of the LGV Atlantique for it's TGV Network (we don't talk about the rebrand on this blog). The new extensions of course have wonderful names - LGV Bretagne-Pays de la Loire connecting Le Mans to Rennes - LGV Sud Europe Atlantique connecting Tours to Bordeaux. LIVE | Momentanément aux commandes du … [Read more...]

New South Western Rail franchise taps Bombardier for new trains

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Yes, we're going back to our semi-regular diversion of trains - and for commuters in the South West of London and beyond - this is important as the new operator of the South Western Rail franchise has placed an order for new trains. And it is with Bombardier who get the order for 750 new train carriages. Bombardier Aventra for South West Railway franchise - Rendering, … [Read more...]