Economy Class & Beyond

Government cancels Electrification upgrades on three rail lines

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in its infinite wisdom after years of promising major upgrades three main rail lines by electrifying them - have withdrawn the plans to electrify the lines.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

A new Tube Map – for those who suffer with claustrophobia (or don’t like tunnels)

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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 opens up two new high speed lines

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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...]

New South Western Rail franchise taps Bombardier for new trains

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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...]

Can you buy the Japan Rail Pass WHILST in Japan? On trial basis… YES!

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The Japan Rail Pass if used right can be a real money saver when travelling on routes operates by JR Group companies. However, to get one - normally you needed to buy an exchange order outside Japan to get one, and then exchange it for a rail pass JR Rail Pass, Exchange Order and a letter from JTB - Image, Economy Class and Beyond However, it seems the JR Group have … [Read more...]

Medium Haul Rail Travel done right – The Chiltern Mainline Silver Train

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Trains can be much of a muchness in the UK, with train operators moving away from the ideas of comfort to the point where they  densifying them to a point where an airline executive would thin "Maybe that's a touch tight". Recent express and long haul stock have done not a lot to change this impression. Chiltern Railways some time ago tried to change their game with some … [Read more...]

Its the Easter Weekend – so welcome to rail engineering works

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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...]

Taipei Taoyuan Airport MRT link opens between the airport and the City

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When I travel, I like to have easy travel options into the city - and for me, that's in the form of public transport. At Taipei Taoyuan Airport (the main entry point into Taiwan) a new mass transit option has now opened - The Taoyuan Airport MRT. Airport MRT line - Image, Taoyuan Metro The route runs from Taipei Main station (a short distance from Taipei Railway … [Read more...]

Steam trains returns to regularly timetabled services… for a few days

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In the UK, it's not unusal to see steam trains on the main line railway as they operate on railtours or train cruises. But on timetabled services?  Not since the last steam service ran nearly 50 years ago. Until yesterday. Northern Rail and the A1 Locomotive Trust teamed up to operate the steam Locomotive "60163 Tornado" on the Settle to Carlisle Line. 60163 Tornado at … [Read more...]

Eurostar updates its Business Premier Paris Lounge

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Eurostar - the train company operating between London, Paris and Brussels has been busy, with the refurbishment of its lounge at Paris Gare du Nord station Let's look at the pictures.... Eurostar Paris Business Premier Lounge - All images, Eurostar The new Business Premier lounge formally opened on Saturday, set inside the top floor of Gare du Nord station. The … [Read more...]