Economy Class & Beyond

FirstGroup gets the nod to start budget London to Scotland rail services

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It seems there's going to be a minor little earthquake in the UK Rail market - as FirstGroup have had secured permission to start a new rail service between London and Scotland. FirstGroup First Great Wester High Speed Train Class 43 power car at Banbury Station - Image, Economy Class and Beyond The new plan for five trains a day between London King's Cross to … [Read more...]

Easter Railway Engineering Works in the UK

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If it's a public holiday, it must be time the railways have a partial shut-down to allow for engineering works. Full works have announced at www.nationalrail.co.uk/easter, but for those who want a bite-sized version, here's my take (featuring airport connections). Heathrow Airport The good news is that we actually a have a service this Easter period (compared to … [Read more...]

Introducing…. the Virgin Azuma.

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Virgin Trains East Coast today announced what they'll be calling their new fleet of trains. Ladies and Gentlemen - Presenting the Virgin Azuma. Here's the rendering: And here it is in real life: Drum roll, introducing the.... #VirginAzuma. The bright future of rail travel is here https://t.co/S6uMnzFC0Q pic.twitter.com/jRbQ6537UG — Virgin Trains EC … [Read more...]

C’est un Strike! French Rail workers due to walk out

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Like the sun follows the moon, day follows night, French Rail workers are walking out today on strike. SNCF TGV Réseau at Paris Gare du Nord with a Thayls service on the left (Interestingly, this image was shot during another French rail strike) - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. The disruption runs across the SNCF Network from 7pm on Tuesday and end on Thursday … [Read more...]

Heathrow Connect – Still Suspended

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The Heathrow Connect service (operating local stopping services between London Paddington to the Heathrow Airport) remains suspended as Siemens engineers attempt to discover what is wrong with the Heathrow Express trains. Heathrow Express trains have been taken out of service for what has been described as "the foreseeable future" according to Global Rail News. For now, … [Read more...]

Thalys launches Izy – low cost trains between Paris and Brussels

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It seems Thalys is launching a fightback against coach operators (and in some ways - itself) with the launch of a new sub-brand called Izy Izy will launch on the 3rd April 2016, promising fares of €19 between Paris and Brussels, offering two return trips a day (with three on Fridays and Saturdays), operated by two train sets. The service will operate between Paris Gare du … [Read more...]

Heathrow Connect Services Suspened

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It seems all is not well with Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect, with Heathrow Connect services suspended until further notice. Heathrow Connect Arriving at Heathrow Central (Currently substituting for Heathrow Express trains) - Image, Economy Class and Beyond According to a thread on RailForums, it seems the trains that Heathrow Express been pulled for safety checks, … [Read more...]

Heathrow Express free upgrade for Star Alliance Gold holders

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If you hold Star Alliance Gold status and travel on Heathrow Express, there's a very good offer starting today - allowing you to upgrade from Heathrow Express Standard to First Class for nothing. To use this you must Use your Star Alliance Gold Card (which must be valid and a physical card) Have a vaild Heathrow Express Ticket Must be on a full fare ticket The offer is … [Read more...]

Gatwick Express begins to accept Oyster/Contactless Cards… but is it the best method of paying?

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Gatwick Express and Southern Railway has begun to accept Transport for London's Oyster Card and Contactless Payment Cards between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport. "Unit 442422 at Gatwick Airport - John Pease" by john pease - Unit 442422 at Gatwick Airport.. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Commons. Now, this in theory sounds brilliant - you rock up at the station, tap … [Read more...]