Network Rail scraps loo charge at London Victoria after flushing out £1.4m for the year in toilet takings December 9, 2016 It's victory for those frustrated by having to spend a penny at rail stations – particularly suffering Southern commuters waiting around for delayed trains. For Network Rail has now ditched its toilet charge at London Victoria and Charing Cross stations. Read more: Taking the piss: How Network Rail is cashing in on the Southern strikes Earlier this [...]
More misery on the cards for Southern rail passengers as services are still affected post-strike action December 9, 2016 This week's strikes by the end Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union might have come to an end, but Southern passengers aren't getting respite just yet. In fact, services are still going to be "severely disrupted", as Southern tries to cope with train drivers' union Aslef's overtime ban. Southern has updated travel advice for during the [...]
High Court rules Aslef strikes can go ahead on Southern rail after legal bid by Govia Thameslink Railway fails December 8, 2016 A High Court judge has ruled that train drivers' strikes on Southern Rail can go ahead from next week, after a legal challenge failed. Southern rail owner Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) had sought an injunction to stop industrial action by train drivers' union Aslef, but the judge ruled the rail operator didn't have grounds to challenge [...]
Transport for London hits out at government for failing to share air quality information relating to Heathrow expansion December 8, 2016 Transport for London (TfL) has criticised the government for failing to share key information on Heathrow expansion. Speaking at a London Assembly Transport Committee meeting on Thursday, Alex Williams, acting managing director of planning at TfL, said: "There is an ongoing issue that pre any legal challenge, we have asked for a regular series of [...]
HS1 owners mull over sale of high-speed rail line linking London and the Channel Tunnel December 8, 2016 The owners of HS1, the high-speed railway connecting London to the Channel Tunnel, are considering a possible sale after receiving multiple approaches. Borealis Infrastructure and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan are exploring strategic options, they confirmed today, after "a number of investment inquiries". They said in a statement that a financial adviser will be appointed in due [...]
The UK’s facing EU legal action over response to VW emissions scandal – along with six other nations December 8, 2016 The European Union (EU) has opened legal action against seven nations, including the UK, over their response to the Volkswagen emissions scandal. Four – the UK, Germany, Luxembourg and Spain – have been criticised for failing to take action against Volkswagen for cheating emission tests. They were accused of not imposing similar penalties to those faced by VW [...]
The world’s longest rail tunnel will officially open to the public on Sunday December 8, 2016 It's been a long time in the making, but the world's longest and deepest train tunnel will finally open to the public, after getting the go-ahead on commercial use, with full services running from Sunday. The Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland is a 57km line under the Swiss Alps between northern and southern Europe and as [...]
London mayor Sadiq Khan is making a “last-ditch attempt” to change the government’s mind on rail devolution December 8, 2016 It might've been a no from Chris Grayling, but Sadiq Khan isn't giving up his quest to move control of suburban rail services over to Transport for London (TfL). In fact, deputy mayor of London for transport Val Shawcross, has said he'll be making "a last-ditch attempt" at getting the government to have a rethink. [...]
Sadiq Khan’s TfL business plan will “leave the books resolutely unbalanced” December 8, 2016 The mayor's Transport for London (TfL) business plan has only just been announced, but it's already causing raised eyebrows. Step forward Keith Prince, Conservative London Assembly member, who has criticised the plan as "reckless" and warned that commuters will suffer. “Since May we’ve seen the mayor making wild spending promises with little real hint of [...]
Minicab drivers in London are protesting against English language tests December 8, 2016 Minicab drivers in the capital will protest today against new rules on language tests which have been called "completely unfair". Drivers, represented by GMB union, will demonstrate at City Hall against the introduction of English language requirements by Transport for London. Hundreds of drivers are expected to turn out to protest against the "ludicrously priced" exam. All [...]