Economy Class & Beyond

KLM extends its Air-Rail partnership with Thalys

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KLM is adding further rail capacity, with the airline purchasing additional seats from Thalys, between Amsterdam and Brussels.  KLM and Thayls together- Image, KLM. The extra seats form part of KLM’s efforts to scale down its four daily flights still operated between Amsterdam and Brussels. The extended air/rail product will be available from 26 March … [Read more...]

Avanti West Coast start testing of their new Class 805 trains

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In brighter days past - Avanti West Coast promised new trains as part of its franchise commitment. Well, it seems the company is taking steps forward, with the first of the new trains now commencing mainline testing according to its owners, FirstGroup. Avanti West Coast Hitachi Class 805 train on test at Preston Station - Image, FirstGroup.  The train that … [Read more...]

LNER Launches new dining options in first class.

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Let us turn our eye to the passenger experience on the trains - with London North Eastern Railway (LNER) launching its new catering options. The menu presented celebrates specially sourced food and drink from local suppliers along the East Coast route. These options are for those travelling in the train operators' First Class seating.  The catering … [Read more...]

UK Department for Transport to increase rail fare evasion fines

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A lot of people pay the train fare, make a face and move on. Some don't however and they can be subject to penalty fare fines.In the past, this was £20. This will now be increased to up to £100 from the 2nd of January 2023. It's going to be even more crucial that you have a valid ticket for your journey. The penalty charge is reduced from £100 to £50 … [Read more...]

Changes ahead for the Caledonian Sleeper

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The Caledonian Sleeper - which connects London and Scotland with a sleeper train service is looking forward to a change of management and ownership as The Scottish Government and Serco. Caledonian Sleeper train - Image, Caledonian Sleeper (Secrco) Serco and The Scottish government signed a 15-year franchise, with a 'rebase clause in year seven of the agreement that … [Read more...]

Alstom and SNCF reveal the TGV M, and its next steps

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The next generation Alstom TGV - the TGV M was unveiled recently at Alstom's La Rochelle workshops. Let us take a look. The TGV M order is for 115 trainsets - split between 100 domestic and 15 international services. These trains will be used for both INOUI and OUIGO TGV services (both SNCF-owned). Alstom's TGV M features a lot of new features including: … [Read more...]

UK Train Drivers strike – Saturday 13th August

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We're sticking with the rails this week, as we've got another railway strike inbound, affecting 11 of the rail operators in the United Kingdom.  Good luck getting a train out of Euston Station for a start – Image, Economy Class and Beyond. This week's rail strike will affect passengers travelling with the following companies (whose members are part of the ASLEF … [Read more...]

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