The Railway Hub’s weekly round-up of the latest railway news. Here are this week’s top stories…
RMT union set Saturday rail strikes in run-up to Christmas
Rail workers are to stage a series of 24-hour strikes on Saturdays in the coming weeks in a dispute over the role of guards on trains.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union on West Midlands Trains will walk out on November 16, 23 and 30 and December 7, 14, 21 and 28, hitting some of the busiest Christmas shopping days. Full story.
At least 71 dead in Pakistan train fire, police say
A huge fire caused by a cooking gas stove on a train in Pakistan has killed at least 71 passengers, officials said.
Flames roared through the carriages as the train approached the town of Liaquatpur in Punjab, in the latest tragedy to hit the country’s dilapidated, poorly maintained and mismanaged rail system. Full story.
Egypt man dies after official ‘forced’ him off moving train
A train conductor in Egypt has been arrested following the death of one man and life-changing injuries of another near the Nile Delta city of Tanta on Monday.
The man who died, named by local media as Mohamed Eid, reportedly jumped from a moving train with a second man, Ahmed Mohamed, when the pair were unable to pay a fine of 70 Egyptian pounds (£3.38) for travelling without a ticket. Full story.
New Azuma train to include six new services to Harrogate
London North Eastern Railway is set to introduce new Azuma services between Harrogate and London’s King Cross from December 15 2019.
The Yorkshire town will benefit from an extra five services from mid-December, allowing extra connectivity and dependability. Full story.
Keighley station set for £4million upgrade
Network Rail is investing over £4million to upgrade Keighley station, to bring improvements for passengers and all those who use it.
The work will involve refurbishing the station building, footbridge and entrance to make it brighter, whilst protecting the heritage of the Grade II listed building. The canopies over the access ramps will be refurbished with improved lighting and a fresh coat of paint. All of this work will improve the look of the station and create a more pleasant environment. Full story.
Antique violin worth £250,000 left on train in London
A professional musician has said it was “devastating” to lose his antique violin worth £250,000 after he left it on a train.
Stephen Morris left his antique violin, which was made by craftsman David Tecchler in 1709, on the London Victoria to Orpingtontrainon Tuesday October 22.
Mr Morris had been due to play the violin at two concerts with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra the weekend after he lost the instrument. Full story.
Railway Review: Unions hope for recommendation to replace “failed” franchise system
Unions hope an official review of the railway industry will recommend replacing the “failed” franchise system amid criticism of the way the industry operates.
The Government-commissioned review, headed by Keith Williams, is expected to report in the next few weeks, with expectations that a series of reforms will be suggested. Full story.
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