Editors note: I've been out and about today, so I'll be catching up with the news about a lot of England reopening from the 4th July much later on today. For now, lets talk trains... Upcoming open access operator East Coat Trains (not to be confused with the previous government-operated company East Coast) takes another step forward, with the first train being assembled by … [Read more...]

Face mask season is in full swing at the moment, with airlines threatening suspension of flying and governments threatening fine if you don't wear on on public transport. However, there is a little room for lightness, with Avanti West Coast adding new decals to two of their trains. Which now wears... a face mask. Two of the Class 390 Pendolino … [Read more...]

As the UK Rail Network begins to ramp up its operation after the cuts due to lack of demand - two companies have changed their travel policy, requiring passengers to reserve before travel.  Both LNER (whom operate the East Coast Main Line Route) and Avanti West Coast (who operate the West Coast Main Line) will be implementing this to promote physical distancing on … [Read more...]

Whilst we're dealing with a pandemic still, there is progress on the UK Rail network - with the trains destined for Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) cleared to work past Heathrow Junction and into the Heathrow Airport complex. Class 345 train at London Paddington - Image, Economy Class and Beyond. The new trains - Bombardier Aventra Class 345 - have had their onboard ETCS … [Read more...]

It seems that the requirement of wearing a face mask when travelling is growing, with Eurostar making it a requirement when travelling with them from the 4th May 2020. Eurostar trains at London St Pancras - Image, Economy Class and Beyond Eurostar state the following: From 4 May, passengers must wear a face mask or face covering at our stations and on board in line … [Read more...]

When Eurostar launched its direct service to Rotterdam and Amsterdam in 2018, there was one problem - whilst it could operate services to these destinations, it could not operate the return journey back to London due to immigration purposes. Eurostar trains at London St Pancras - Image, Economy Class and Beyond Well, it seems that the works to complete the new terminals … [Read more...]

It seems Her Majesties Government has had enough of Northern by Arriva and has chosen to strip the operator of its railway franchise - thus nationalising the operator. Northern Railways Pacer at Manchester Airport - Image, Economy Class and Beyond The move comes after Northern Rail was fiscally unstable to the point where it could only operate sustainably for a "few … [Read more...]

It wouldn't be Christmas without some rail engineering works affecting Heathrow Airport - with engineering works affecting access to the airport by rail over the Christmas period. Heathrow Express train at London Heathrow Terminal 5 station - Image, Economy Class and Beyond There will be no Heathrow Express/TfL Rail services between London Paddington and Heathrow … [Read more...]

It seems the Hitachi order book continues to fill up with Avanti West Coast (the new franchise holder of the West Coast Main Line route) ordering new trains from them The order covers 23 new trains - or 135 carriages if you work to that metric. Avanti West Coast new Hitachi trains - Image, Hitachi Rail It covers 10 seven-carriage units and 13 five-carriage bi-modal units. … [Read more...]

On Sunday, Avanti West Coast will take over the West Coast Main Line route between London Euston to Glasgow (and Intercity points in-between). Here is a quick Q and A of the information and changes we know will happen on Sunday/Monday onwards. Wait. Virgin Trains won't be a thing? After 22 years in the industry, Virgin Trains West Coast (own by Virgin Group and … [Read more...]