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...]

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...]

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in its infinite wisdom after years of promising major upgrades three main rail lines by electrifying them - have withdrawn the plans to electrify the lines.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...]

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 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...]

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...]

As we head into the long Easter weekend, the UK rail network responds in its usual way -  by closing parts of network to shut down in bits and bobs to allow engineering work. London Paddington Train Station - Image, Economy Class and Beyond Major works include Heathrow Express 14th and 15th April - Every 30 minutes 16th April - Every 15 minutes … [Read more...]