Economy Class & Beyond

Transpennine Express franchise to be stripped from FirstGroup

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For long-suffering travellers in the North of England and Scotland, there's something to smile about today as FirstGroup is to be stripped of operating its Transpennine Express franchise. Transpennine Express "Nova 1" Class 802 Train - Image, Hitachi Rail.  The Transport Secretary has announced he will not renew or extend Transpennine Express’s (TPE) contract at the end … [Read more...]

The Elizabeth Line prepares to take its final form

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The 21st of May is an important day for the Elizabeth Line and the Crossrail project, as the full peak timetable will finally go into effect.   It's a rather big change, with a train operating in the core section roughly every two and a half minutes between Paddington and Whitechapel at peak time with frequencies increased to up to 24 trains per hour in … [Read more...]

Northern Trains unveils its passengers worst habits…

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Northern Trains has released the results of a survey, and it's going through its passengers' worst habits when on a train. Northern CAF Class 195 trains at Manchester Piccadilly - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. When the Northern Trains can operate up to 2,500 trains a day (subject to staffing), there are some stunts that passengers pull, varying from bad manners to … [Read more...]

Breathing new life back into the battery train project – Great Western Railway spends and pushes forward

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Earlier this year, Vivarail halted operation, putting some rail services and deployment of new rolling stock in jeopardy - as well as a fast-charge battery train project. Well, it seems that FirstGroup franchise Great Western Railway is taking forward a trial as they agree on a deal to purchase certain Vivarail assets. The Class 230 Test Train - Image, Great … [Read more...]

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...]