UK railway round-up

This week’s roundup of news from the UK railway industry.

• Latest service updates

Rail strikes called off during Cop26 after deal settled, union confirms

Rail strikes during the Cop26 climate conference have been called off after the RMT confirmed negotiations on a pay rise have been settled.

The announcement was made following talks between the trade union and transport bosses on Wednesday.

London King’s Cross station plaque commemorates Britain’s first black train driver

A plaque has been unveiled commemorating Britain’s first black train driver, Jamaican-born Wilston Samuel Jackson.

Mr Jackson began maintaining trains shortly after moving to London in 1952, and became a driver 10 years later.

COP26: Union warns time running out to avoid rail strikes

Transport bosses have been told they need to “put pay justice on the agenda” if they want to prevent rail strikes during the global COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.

With world leaders heading to Scotland for the crucial talks, members of the RMT union are threatening to strike for the duration of the summit.

Class G5 Locomotive Company update on brake appeal

The Class G5 Locomotive Company have raised two-thirds of the money to buy the brake components as part of the Put The Brakes On appeal.

The team have taken delivery of the main brake shaft, brake shaft hangers, brake rods and turn buckles, but now hope to raise an additional £6,000 to complete the appeal.

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.

• There are currently no major line disruptions reported on the network

Our transport network has never been cleaner. Imperial College London 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 your 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.

• No Night Tube or Night Overground service
• The Waterloo & City line service will operate peak hours only Monday to Friday, with no service at weekends or on public holidays

London Overground

Due to Coronavirus, there is no Night Overground service until further notice.

There’s good service across London Overground.

Check before you travel and plan your journey ahead of time.