UK railway round-up

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

• Latest service updates

Government accused of a ‘betrayal’ of the North over revised rail plan

The Government has been accused of a “betrayal of trust” as it set out its long-awaited revised plans for Northern England and the Midlands.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the £96 billion Integrated Rail Plan (IRP) would slash journey times across the region with 110 miles of new high-speed line.

No 10 says rail links still priority but eastern leg of HS2 set to be scrapped

Improving rail links in the North and Midlands is an “absolute priority” for Boris Johnson, Downing Street insisted in the face of mounting anger about plans to scrap key projects.

In a major rail review on Thursday, the Government is expected to scrap the eastern leg of the HS2 high-speed rail route between the Midlands and Leeds.

Passenger trains to run on Dartmoor Line for first time in 50 years

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will dispatch the first passenger train to run on the Dartmoor Line for over 50 years.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared that improving transport links is “essential” to levelling up, ahead of the resumption of regular rail services on a line in Devon.

Contactless ticketing at 700 train stations to ‘level up’ the North

Contactless ticketing will be introduced at more than 700 train stations in what the Government claims is an effort to “level up” the North and Midlands.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said passengers in these regions have “waited far too long” for the simpler ticketing system, which has been used on Transport for London (TfL) Tubes and trains since 2014.

Salisbury rail services to fully resume 16 days after crash

Rail services through Salisbury will fully resume 16 days after a crash involving two trains, the rail industry has announced.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) released its preliminary investigation findings into the Salisbury train collision.

Strikes by London Underground drivers over Night Tube dispute

Plans to restart London Underground’s Night Tube have been hit by an announcement of strikes by drivers in a dispute over staffing.

Drivers on London Underground’s Night Tube are to stage a series of strikes from later this month in a dispute over staffing, a leading rail union has announced.

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.

• Bakerloo Line: Minor delays between Stonebridge Park and Harrow & Wealdstone.
• Metropolitan Line: Part suspended
• Waterloo & City line: Service operates between 06.07 and 10.13 and between 15.23 and 19.11, Monday to Friday only.

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.

Most London Overground routes are currently operating with revised timetables.

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