This week’s roundup of news from the UK railway industry.
Pannier tank 9466 announced for Severn Valley Railway gala
The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has revealed a second VIP guest locomotive for its upcoming Steam Gala in September.
On September 16-19, ex-BR (WR) 94XX Pannier Tank No. 9466 will rub shoulders with LMS 6233 Duchess of Sutherland, as the visiting locos take centre stage, supported by an array of engines from the SVR’s home fleet.
The news comes just days after the railway announced that it will return to offering flexible tickets to passengers from September 7.
Northern launches £1 flash sale on rail tickets
Northern is giving people the chance to ‘Go Do Your Thing’ and travel on its network for just £1.
The operator is making more than one million advance purchase tickets available from August 24, as part of a flash sale.
Over the past 18 months Northern has introduced 101 new trains, completed the refurbishment of its older trains, and delivered millions of pounds worth of improvements at stations, including the installation of more than 600 ticket machines, and improved accessibility features at many locations.
Network Rail to carry out £90m of upgrades over Bank Holiday weekend
Network Rail has said that the vast majority of Britain’s rail network will be open as usual this Bank Holiday weekend, allowing families to reconnect with their loved ones.
With domestic tourism in high demand, the transport body’s bank holiday engineering work has been planned to minimise disruption to passengers with very few routes impacted. Over 95% of the UK rail network will be unaffected.
However, passengers are reminded to check their journeys in advance as some upgrade works will be taking place.
Rail workers threaten to strike over legionella toilet outbreak
The RMT union has declared a dispute with Thameslink over claims there has been a “potentially lethal” Legionella outbreak on its trains.
The union said it has prepared its members on Thameslink for strikes if urgent action is not taken to resolve the issue.
The company said a low level of Legionella had been found in a small number of toilets, which had been drained and bleached.
Latest service updates
Gatwick Express – Gatwick Express services remain suspended until further notice.
Hull Trains – Hull Trains are currently running a reduced service, in line with passenger demand and current government advice.
Transport For London Status
If you need to travel this weekend, here are planned works that may affect your journey.
Our transport network has never been cleaner. Since September, Imperial College London has run monthly tests for coronavirus on the transport network and found no trace. You can read their recently published report.
Air continuously flows through all our trains, trams and buses. For example, on average, air in a Tube train changes every few minutes. Buses are fitted with air extraction and ventilation systems and we also leave windows open throughout the passenger area to keep a flow of fresh air.
Please continue to walk or cycle part of your journey where possible. If using public transport, travel during quieter times if you can. This will make social distancing easier. The quieter times to travel are:
- Between 08:15 and 16:00 and after 17:30 on weekdays
- Before noon and after 18:00 on weekends
Our TfL Go app can help you plan your journey and show the quieter times to travel.
You must continue to wear a face covering over your nose and mouth at all times when on the transport network, unless exempt. The overwhelming majority of people are complying with this requirement, and the British Transport Police, the Metropolitan Police and our own officers are on the network to check compliance. Fines of up to £6,400 exist for anyone who does not comply.
Please also wash or sanitise hands before and after travel.
London Underground Status
Due to the coronavirus, the following service changes will be in place until further notice. Please plan ahead and check before you travel.
Metropolitan Line: Minor delays due to train cancellations.
Waterloo & City line: Service operates between 06.07 and 10.13 and between 15.23 and 19.11, Monday to Friday only.
London Trams: From Monday 16 until Friday 27 August, no service between Wandle Park and East Croydon due to planned engineering works. Replacement buses will operate.
London Trams will operate as follows:-Wimbledon – Wandle Park (please note that services will start at 06:30 on Monday 16 August)East Croydon – Beckenham JunctionEast Croydon – Elemers End (peak hours only)East Croydon – New AddingtonReplacement Bus services will operate as follows:-Waddon Marsh – East Croydon.
London Overground
Check before you travel and plan your journey ahead of time.
Metros around the country
Tyne & Wear Metro
For more timetable information visit nexus.org.uk
Manchester Metrolink
England has now moved to the next step of the Government’s Roadmap out of Lockdown. The main change from Monday 29 March is that ‘Stay at home’ regulations have been lifted. Further details can be found on the Government’s COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021 page.
Nottingham Express Transit
Following the latest government announcement, we want to reassure customers that still need to travel with us during lockdown that we will be operating a full service during this time.
Merseyrail
There are no incidents reported.
Sheffield Super Tram
Stagecoach Supertram, SYPTE and Tramlines have issued travel advice for visitors to the Tramlines festival taking place this weekend (Friday 23 to Sunday 25 July).
A normal tram service is planned to continue to run throughout the day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the area so people can travel to the venue and others can make their journeys as normal.
However, a joint decision has been made between Supertram, SYPTE and Tramlines not to run evening trams in the area of the festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. All services will terminate at Shalesmoor from around 9 pm on Friday and Saturday and 8 pm on Sunday. This is because Supertram has reduced staff resource at the current time, primarily due to a surge in employees being contacted with a self-isolation instruction through the NHS Test and Trace system.
Edinburgh Trams
The first tram and last tram will run at their usual time, but customers should expect trams to operate every 15 minutes during the day with this being kept under constant review.
Glasgow Subway
The Subway is running as normal.
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