Network Rail faces extra £213m National Insurance hit Transport and infrastructure Network Rail will take an additional £213m hit over the next few years from the National Insurance tax hikes announced in Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget, it has been revealed. The figure marks a 16 per cent increase on a previously expected payout of £1.26bn over the remaining four years of its current financial control period. [...]
Eurostar tells rivals to put their money where their mouths are Transport and infrastructure Eurostar has called on its rivals to invest in the UK’s capacity for international rail as it insisted it welcomed increased competition. The Temple Mills depot in East London is currently the only place in the UK that can host high-speed, cross-channel trains to and from Europe. It has become a central part of the [...]
Firstgroup’s rail division exceeds expectations Transport and infrastructure Firstgroup’s rail business is trading ahead of expectations despite concerns surrounding the UK government’s wide-reaching railway network reforms. The London-listed firm said on Tuesday that fees from the Department for Transport (DfT)’s contracted train operators had proved higher than previously forecast. It has also seen “strong demand” for its open access offering, run by Lumo [...]
Rail regulator orders HS1 to slash spending on Eurostar route January 6, 2025 The Office of Rail and Road has ordered HS1 to lower its spending from April 2025, after finding it did not meet its duties for efficient spending. The 109km high-speed rail line was ordered to bring charges down by 3.8 per cent compared to its latest plans, saving passengers and freight trains as much as [...]
Labour hits back at concerns rail nationalisation could compromise safety November 24, 2024 The DOHL currently runs the four nationalised companies: East Coast Main Line, Northern Rail, Southeastern and Transpennine Express.
Lack of train station catering options costing passengers, warns watchdog June 12, 2024 Railways station operators are being urged to create more competition between resident food outlets, as a study by a regulator concluded passengers are being let down by a lack of catering options.
Firstgroup bids to restore direct London to Rochdale route for the first time since 2000 May 17, 2024 FirstGroup said the new route would be electric and battery powered, and operated by brand new trains which will be built in Britain.