railway
29 November 2024
Global Construction Review -Railwayrailway
Nov 29, 2024Global Construction Review -Railway
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman officially inaugurated the Riyadh Metro on Wednesday, ending a 12-year megaproject involving dozens of engineering, design and contracting firms from all over the world.
Estimated to have cost in the region of $23bn, the driverless system has six lines totalling 176km, with 85 stations, 34 of them elevated.
Signature architects designed four, iconic interchange stations.
The system is designed to carry up to 3.6 million passengers a day, bringing relief to commuters in a rapidly growing city choked by the cars it was designed for.
Since preparations for the metro began in 2012, Riyadh’s population has grown nearly 40% to 7.8 million.
“Today, Riyadh City is reaping the benefits of this project that will reshape the capital’s image and redefine mobility for its residents and visitors,” said Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Sultan, chief executive of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.
The system will open for passengers in phases, with lines 1, 4, and 6 (Blue, Yellow, and Purple) opening on Sunday, 1 December.
Lines 2 (Red) and 5 (Green) are scheduled to open 15 December, while Line 3 (Orange) is set to open on 5 January.
In 2013, three international construction and engineering consortia were awarded contracts to design and build the lines and stations.
The “FAST” consortium won the biggest package, delivering lines 4, 5, and 6.
It was led by Spain’s FCC with partners Samsung C&T (South Korea), Alstom (France), Strukton (Netherlands), Freyssinet Saudi Arabia (KSA), Atkins (now AtkinsRéalis, Canada), Typsa (Spain), and Setec (France).
It marshalled 8,000 personnel combining 38 nationalities and 22 languages.
Lines 1 and 2 went to the “BACS” consortium comprising Bechtel (USA), Almabani (KSA), Consolidated Contractors Company (Greece), and Siemens (Germany).
The “ANM” consortium built Line 3. Its members are Webuild (formerly Salini Impregilo, Italy), Hitachi (Japan), Bombardier (now Alstom), Larsen & Toubro (India), Nesma & Partners (KSA), Idom (Spain), and Worley Parsons (Australia).
The “RMTC” consortium of Egis (France), Parsons (USA), and Systra (France) also provided supervisory and project management services for Lines 1, 2, and 3.
Signature architects designed the network’s four, iconic interchange stations after an international competition organised by RCRC.
Zaha Hadid Architects (UK) designed King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) station; Snøhetta (Norway) designed Qasr Al Hokm station; Gerber Architekten (Germany) designed STC station; and Omrania (KSA) designed Western Station.
KAFD and Qasr Al Hokm stations have won gold LEED certifications.
The system’s 183 trains were manufactured by Siemens (Germany) and Alstom (with Bombardier, France) to a unified design by Avant Premiere (France).
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Alstom Invests $130M To Expand Railway Production In PolandAlstom has announced an investment of 487m zlotys ($130m) aimed at expanding its railway rolling stock production facilities in Poland over a five-year period from 2022 to 2027.
The funding will be allocated to the company’s sites in Chorzów, Wrocław, and Nadarzyn, with 320m zlotys ($85.2m) already designated for infrastructure improvements and modernisation efforts in the past three years.
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This includes the establishment of a new aluminium welding line at the Wrocław facility, which has allowed for an increase in production capabilities beyond carbon steel products.
In addition, Alstom plans to invest approximately 170m zlotys ($45.2m) in the Chorzów site over the next two years to facilitate the construction of new production halls, a railway track, and the installation of advanced equipment.
The new facilities will encompass nearly 8,000m2 and will be equipped with modern production lines to manufacture both double-decker and single-deck trains for various European clients, including those in Denmark, Romania, and Germany.
The expansion in Chorzów will also support the execution of new contracts, including the adaptation of an existing hall that has been operational for more than six years.
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This hall has produced nearly 1,300 cars for 324 Coradia Stream electric multiple units destined for the Italian market, with the last unit completed in spring 2025.
Alstom Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic States managing director Beata Rusinowicz said: “We are working hard to meet a growing demand for high-quality rolling stock in both the European and global markets.
“The Polish teams have played a key role in both designing and producing new trains, components and solutions that make mobility safe, comfortable, environmentally friendly and accessible. With new production capacities in our Polish sites, we are planning to execute an ambitious portfolio of orders for international clients.”
Furthermore, in 2024, Alstom enhanced its production capabilities with the inauguration of a new hall at the Świętochłowice plant, which spans more than 10,000m2.
This facility is dedicated to manufacturing specialised components, including cabs for Coradia Max and Coradia Stream trains, as well as subassemblies for metro cars.
The plant is designed to service up to six cars simultaneously and works closely with the Chorzów site, which serves as Alstom’s competency centre for metro and regional train production, as well as components for suburban and urban transport.
Recently, Alstom and ATM Group established a joint venture to bid for the renewal of the Luas light rail system’s operations and maintenance contract in Dublin, Ireland.
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29 May 20255 min readAlstom Invests $130M To Expand Railway Production In Poland
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Chiltern Railways Announces £1.5 Billion Of Social Value Contributions In 2024Chiltern Railways has announced £1.5 billion in economic, social, and environmental value in 2024, an increase of £154.8 million on the previous year.
An independent assessment, conducted by leading economics and transport consultancy Steer, uses a rigorous, recognised Economic Impact Assessment methodology to capture the full extent of Chiltern’s contribution to society.
This reflects the growth of the network as Chiltern was appointed as the operator of new rail services between Oxford and Milton Keynes last month.
The latest analysis covers 2024 and highlights continued growth in Chiltern Railways’ economic impact:
Vanessa Russell, HR and Corporate Affairs Director at Chiltern Railways, said: “It is crucial that we continue to grow our social value contributions as we strive towards making the railway easier, greener and better for our customers and communities.
“I am proud that our social and economic impact continues to deliver and our ongoing engagement with ten station adoption groups and 120 volunteers makes a significant impact across the Chiltern network.”
Chiltern continues to deliver community engagement programmes through Community Rail Partnerships. The initiatives involve ten station adoption groups and over 120 active community volunteers. In addition, the operator delivered £140k in funding to 11 community projects in 2024.
Throughout 2024, Chiltern has continued to build momentum towards delivering a 2030 Vision for a modern, decarbonised railway, by:
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29 May 20255 min readChiltern Railways Announces £1.5 Billion Of Social Value Contributions In 2024
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Chiltern Railways Announces £1.5 Billion Of Social Value Contributions...Chiltern Railways has announced £1.5 billion in economic, social, and environmental value in 2024, an increase of £154.8 million on the previous year.
An independent assessment, conducted by leading economics and transport consultancy Steer, uses a rigorous, recognised Economic Impact Assessment methodology to capture the full extent of Chiltern’s contribution to society.
This reflects the growth of the network as Chiltern was appointed as the operator of new rail services between Oxford and Milton Keynes last month.
The latest analysis covers 2024 and highlights continued growth in Chiltern Railways’ economic impact:
Vanessa Russell, HR and Corporate Affairs Director at Chiltern Railways, said: “It is crucial that we continue to grow our social value contributions as we strive towards making the railway easier, greener and better for our customers and communities.
“I am proud that our social and economic impact continues to deliver and our ongoing engagement with ten station adoption groups and 120 volunteers makes a significant impact across the Chiltern network.”
Chiltern continues to deliver community engagement programmes through Community Rail Partnerships. The initiatives involve ten station adoption groups and over 120 active community volunteers. In addition, the operator delivered £140k in funding to 11 community projects in 2024.
Throughout 2024, Chiltern has continued to build momentum towards delivering a 2030 Vision for a modern, decarbonised railway, by:
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29 May 20255 min readChiltern Railways Announces £1.5 Billion Of Social Value Contributions...
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Skanska Wins $167M Contract For Skoyen Metro Station In NorwaySwedish construction company Skanska has received a contract worth Nkr1.7bn ($167.1m) from Fornebubanen for the construction of the Skoyen metro station in Oslo, Norway.
The deal will be recorded in the Nordic order bookings for the second quarter of 2025.
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The project entails the development of an underground metro station featuring two tracks and dual access points located on either side of Hoffsveien at Skoyen.
The construction phase is set to commence in September this year, with an anticipated completion date in 2029.
The scope of work includes the creation of a station hall situated around 45m below ground level, along with concrete works, shafts, and various technical installations such as ventilation systems, electrical setups, elevators, and escalators.
Additionally, the project encompasses the development of outdoor areas and access buildings, along with finishing works within pre-excavated tunnels.
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Further construction activities will also take place at Madserud, Bestum, and along the tunnel leading to Majorstuen.
Skoyen serves as a significant public transport hub in Oslo, and the new station aims to enhance capacity and improve connections between the subway, train, and bus services, thereby supporting urban development in the city, according to the company.
In 2022, Skanska secured an additional £78m ($105.1m) contract for work on the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway line in the UK.
In April 2020, Skanska, as part of a joint venture, signed a contract with HS2 for the detailed design and construction of major tunnels leading to the London terminus at Euston station.
In 2022, Rio Grande Pacific Corporation (RGPC) selected firms for the final engineering and construction of the Uinta Basin Railway project in Utah.
Aecom was responsible for the final design, while the Skanska-WW Clyde Joint Venture (JV) was tasked with construction.
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29 May 20255 min readSkanska Wins $167M Contract For Skoyen Metro Station In Norway
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Eib To Provide €400M Loan For Stockholm Metro ExpansionThe European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced that it will contribute approximately €400m ($455.5m) in additional financing for the expansion of the Stockholm metro in Sweden.
The funding is allocated between two recipients, with the Region of Stockholm receiving Skr2.5bn ($262.9m), and the City of Stockholm to be granted Skr2bn (210.3m).
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The additional loan will bring EIB’s total investment in the project to more than €1bn.
The Stockholm metro expansion project includes the construction of three new sections, totalling 30km, with 20km of double-track tunnels and 18 new stations.
This is among the largest metro expansion projects currently in progress in Europe and one of the largest infrastructure projects in Sweden, financed by the European Union. It also marks the largest investment the EIB has made in public transport within the country, according to the bank.
It is anticipated that 130,500 housing units will be developed along these new metro lines.
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EIB vice-president Thomas Östros said: “This investment boosts both sustainable mobility and regional development. By providing an additional loan, we are demonstrating our long-term commitment to climate-smart investments in Europe’s growing cities. This project is an excellent example of how EU funding can benefit both people and the climate.”
The project will be developed across the municipalities of Stockholm, Nacka, Solna, and Järfälla, aiming to provide sustainable and efficient public transport for the region’s expanding population.
Currently, 730,000 individuals utilise public transport in the county on a daily basis.
City of Stockholm director general Fredrik Jurdell said: “The EIB’s continued commitment to this financial partnership reaffirms the importance of the metro expansion project for sustainable growth in the capital and the surrounding areas.
The new metro meets the needs of future generations in terms of transport and mobility, but also with regard to housing, given that housing units will be built as part of the project.”
Earlier this month, the EIB announced a financing package of €400m to facilitate the development of a new tramline in Helsinki, Finland.
This initiative is designed to improve public transport connectivity to the eastern suburbs of Laajasalo, Korkeasaari, and Kalasatama.
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27 May 20255 min readEib To Provide €400M Loan For Stockholm Metro Expansion
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Eib Grants Eur 400M For Major Expansion Of Stockholm MetroThe European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing an additional EUR 400 million in financing to support the significant expansion of Stockholm’s metro system—one of the largest urban transport infrastructure projects currently underway in Europe.
The funding will be split between the Region of Stockholm and the City of Stockholm, with SEK 2.5 billion allocated to the region and SEK 2 billion to the city. This new tranche brings the EIB’s total contribution to the metro expansion to more than SEK 12 billion (over EUR 1 billion).
A Strategic Investment in Sustainable Urban Mobility
The expansion project involves the construction of three new 30-kilometre sections, of which 20 kilometres will be double-track tunnels, as well as 18 new metro stations and an expanded depot. It will impact four municipalities—Stockholm, Nacka, Solna, and Järfälla—and is expected to support the development of 130,500 new homes along the new lines.
“This investment boosts both sustainable mobility and regional development,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros. “By providing an additional loan, we are demonstrating our long-term commitment to climate-smart investments in Europe’s growing cities.”
The metro project is central to the Region of Stockholm’s efforts to accommodate a growing population while addressing climate targets. Currently, around 730,000 people use public transport daily across the county.
“The EIB’s support is essential for investment in the metro expansion project,” said Region of Stockholm Director-General Emma Lennartson. “Continuing to invest in public transport is an effective way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region.”
Lennartson added that the project aligns with the region’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12% annually in line with the Paris Agreement and Sweden’s target of carbon neutrality by 2045.
City of Stockholm Director-General Fredrik Jurdell said the continued support from the EIB “reaffirms the importance of the metro expansion project for sustainable growth in the capital and the surrounding areas.”
The project has been independently audited by Ceequal, a leading certification system for civil engineering works. Several components of the development received the top “Excellent” rating, underlining its high sustainability ambitions and its efforts to exceed legal and industry requirements.
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27 May 20255 min readEib Grants Eur 400M For Major Expansion Of Stockholm Metro
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Hs2 Donates 4,000 Tonnes Of Ballast To Bluebell RailwayHS2 is donating thousands of pieces of ballast to the Bluebell Railway in West Sussex as the rail industry unites to mark 200 years of rail travel.
Some 4,000 tonnes of ballast – enough to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool – was used by HS2 in specially constructed sidings while tunnelling work was carried out at West Ruislip.
The West Ruislip sidings were used to bring 59,000 concrete tunnel ring segments, which were used to construct the Northolt Tunnel West. The segments were produced by PACADAR UK on the Isle of Grain, Kent, with many brought to site by rail taking approximately 16,000 lorries off the road. Excavation of the 5-mile twin bore tunnel is now complete.
The donation of ballast to the Bluebell Railway was organised by Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCS JV), the company responsible for building tunnels beneath London for HS2.
It was officially handed over to the volunteer-led heritage organisation, which runs steam trains across 11 miles of track, on 29 April.
The donation forms part of the ongoing Railway 200 campaign highlighting the global boom of rail travel over the years since the first ever public train journey in 1825 from Stockton to Darlington.
By reusing the material, it eliminates the need for unnecessary treatment and transport of the material for waste disposal.
The ballast will be used to reopen platform 1 at Horsted Keynes station (perhaps better known as Downton Abbey station), which has been out of use since 1914.
This means that when the platform is brought back into service in May, the Bluebell Railway will have four operational platforms at Horsted Keynes. The newly reopened platform 1 will also be used for the Railway 200 National Exhibition Train ‘Inspiration’, which will visit the Bluebell at the end of July.
The donated ballast will also be used to relay an adjacent siding, which will be used as a display area for railway vehicles for the entire event throughout the summer.
Arlo Dew, Senior Project Manager at HS2 Ltd, said: “This donation of ballast shows the continued importance of industry partners working together to help and promote rail travel not only for future generations but also to help educate those about its proud heritage.
“While we’re busy constructing Britain’s modern high-speed rail line, we’re pleased to be able to help play a part in helping to the Bluebell Railway which has a proud track record as a tourist destination showcasing how train travel used to be back in the day.
“We look forward to seeing the four platforms in operation and the exhibition come to fruition and we’re pleased to have been able to play a small part in helping to bring these exhibits to life.”
Martin Baughurst, Project Director for SCS JV, said: “Our team at West Ruislip worked closely with the volunteers at the Bluebell Railway, jointly developing the logistics plan to safely transport the ballast to the Railway 200 exhibition area. We’re extremely proud to support the celebration of 200 years of train travel in the UK and look forward to seeing visitors learn about rail past, present and future.”
The Bluebell Railway continues to be a popular tourist attraction and connects Sheffield Park and East Grinstead in Sussex. It was one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country, starting train services in August 1960.
Neil Glaskin, Chairman of Bluebell Railway said: “We are very grateful to HS2 for making this ballast available to us. It represents a crucial contribution to our Railway 200 event, which runs from June to September, and there is sufficient remaining to help us relay a section of our running line this autumn.”
As part of the Railway 200 celebrations this year, HS2 will be taking part in two special events at Bluebell Railway showcasing the future of Britain’s rail network.
From Wednesday 4 June to Wednesday 2 July, visitors to the venue can visit a marquee to find out more about the HS2 project with some interactive science and engineering-based games.
Every Monday-Wednesday throughout the four weeks, there will also be a careers fair that its graduate and apprentice team will be attending to talk to young people about HS2 jobs.
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22 May 20255 min readHs2 Donates 4,000 Tonnes Of Ballast To Bluebell Railway
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Öbb Invests €19.7 Billion In Austria'S RailwayÖBB has provided an update on projects contained within its new 2025-2030 framework, which will see an annual figure of over 3.2 billion EUR invested into the national rail network over the next five years.
The framework plan, worth 19.7 billion EUR, will see the administrator invest in a large number of nationwide infrastructure projects to benefit both the stability and quality of the network, as well as increase capacity and commit a total 4.7 billion EUR toward maintenance, repair, servicing, and troubleshooting.
Projects set to be funded as part of the framework include works on the Semmering & Brenner Base Tunnels, as well as the implementation of a four-track western line and the continued modernisation of the Vienna S-Bahn.
Funding has also been allocated for works related to the Traisentalbahn, Kamptalbahn, Erlauftalbahn and Puchbergerbahn in Lower Austria, the Mattigtalbahn in Upper Austria and the Styrian Western and Eastern Railway in Styria.
Investments in the expansion and maintenance of railway infrastructure are an important contribution to a strong economy and contribute to crisis and climate resilience. Given the challenging budgetary situation, however, it goes without saying that ÖBB also contributes.
However, it is important to me to emphasise that every railway project started will be completed and that we will maintain our course of railway expansion.
ÖBB has also re-affirmed that the Koralm Railway is set to begin operations in 2025, with the operator carrying out a full review on each project in conjunction with the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMI IMI) to ensure minimal disruption to passenger services.
As a result, ÖBB has stated that a small number of projects will either see delays or extended projection times, including the Eastern Railway’s Airport Express Line connection (Klederinger Schleife, Lower Austria), the new line between Köstendorf and Salzburg (Salzburg) and works set to be carried out in the Enns Valley (Salzburg/Styria).
Investments in rail will remain at a very high level in the coming years. We will invest a total of almost 20 billion euros in rail expansion by 2030. With every euro of these investments, we will massively advance the mobility transition and also strengthen the domestic economy. And more good news: every newly ordered train will be put on the rails, thus increasing passenger comfort.
Investigations are set to be launched into the under-utilisation of regional railways, despite increases in passenger demand, in order to address disproportionate costs, with the operator stating it will be developing ‘new approaches’ for public transport separate from the main routes.
Locations included in the review for an alternative system include the Mühlkreis, Hausruck and Almtal Railway in Upper Austria, as well as the Thermal Railway in STMK, which could be set to receive an alternative bus route with an equivalent frequency.
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16 May 20255 min readÖbb Invests €19.7 Billion In Austria'S Railway
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Tfgm Begins Procurement For New £1.6 Billion Metrolink ContractTransport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched the procurement process for the next operating and maintenance contract for Metrolink, the UK’s largest light rail network.
The new contract is valued at up to 1.6 billion GBP and will run for up to 11 years.
The current contract, held by KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) since 2017, is due to end in 2027. TfGM’s new procurement process aims to identify a partner to continue operating and maintaining the network, which spans eight lines, 103 kilometres of track, and 99 stops across Greater Manchester.
This future contract will support a period of investment and development across the region. Metrolink forms a core part of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s integrated public transport and active travel system. TfGM is currently exploring potential network expansions, including new routes, line extensions, and tram-train connections that would link light and heavy rail services.
The scope of the new contract includes operating services, inspecting and maintaining infrastructure, and supporting future enhancements such as new lines, trams, and signalling systems. The selected operator will also work alongside TfGM to identify renewal works as needed.
The contract is expected to support Greater Manchester’s wider economic and environmental objectives, including growth in key development zones and the transition to a net zero economy.
Metrolink saw record passenger numbers in 2024, with 45.6 million journeys made across the year. The network also recorded its busiest month in history last November, with 4.2 million passengers. Contactless payment has become the primary method of payment for tram users, with more than 50 million contactless journeys made since its introduction in 2019.
As of March 2025, the contactless ‘tap and go’ system operates across both Bee Network buses and Metrolink, enabling integrated travel across modes with fare capping.
TfGM will hold a market engagement day on Tuesday 10 June to provide potential bidders with further details on the contract opportunity. A formal market engagement notice is scheduled for publication on 15 May.
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24 April 20255 min readTfgm Begins Procurement For New £1.6 Billion Metrolink Contract
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New Electric Tram-Trains In Testing For South Wales MetroTransport for Wales (TfW) is now testing brand-new electric tram-trains on the recently electrified Valleys railway lines. It called the tests “another step forward” in the delivery of the next phase of the South Wales Metro.
Part of an £800 million investment into brand-new trains across Wales and the Borders, the Stadler Class 398 CITYLINK tram-trains will revolutionise transport in South Wales.
With the ability to run on both rail and tram lines, they can operate on overhead electrical lines and battery power, and with three carriages can carry more than 250 passengers.
Over £1 billion has been invested into transforming rail infrastructure in South Wales, with the electrification of over 170 km of railway, including the Merthyr, Aberdare and Treherbert lines.
A £100 million brand-new purpose-built depot has also been constructed in Taff’s Well, serving as a control centre for the Metro and as the home for the 36 new tram-trains.
Marie Daly, Chief Operating Officer at Transport for Wales, added: “This is another major milestone for us at TfW. We’ve already introduced our brand-new Class 756 trains onto the Merthyr, Aberdare, and Treherbert lines to improve the experience for our passengers. We’re now excited to progress to the next phase of the project, testing our light rail tram-trains that will offer a turn-up-and-go service as part of the South Wales Metro.
“The introduction of our new Metro Class 756s and tram-trains is part of our £800 million investment into brand-new trains for Wales, alongside a billion pounds of infrastructure upgrades to improve the frequency and accessibility of services. By transforming our rail network, we aim to provide reliable, comfortable, and attractive public transport options for our customers.”
Andrew Gazzard, Head of Operational Readiness at TfW said: “Our teams now need to gain familiarisation and handling experience of the trains, and we need to embark on driver training later in the year.
“It’s a really proud moment for me and the team to be able to see these tram-trains on the network and we look forward to the next stage in getting them prepared for passengers.”
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17 April 20255 min readNew Electric Tram-Trains In Testing For South Wales Metro
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Kontron Secures €20M Gsm-R Railway Communications Contract In SpainValued at over 20 million EUR, the project encompasses both deployment and a four-year maintenance period. It is among the largest recently awarded projects for GSM-R deployment by ADIF. The 338 km long Medina del Campo – Orense conventional line is providing medium-distance passenger services and freight traffic.
ADIF, the public entity responsible for managing and maintaining Spain’s railway network — one of the largest in Europe — plays a crucial role in its development and modernization. This project reinforces the commitment of ADIF and Kontron Transportation to enhancing railway infrastructure, delivering high-quality services, and strengthening their collaboration.
The main benefits of this project are enhanced railway services, increased safety and a positive environmental impact.
Enhanced railway services:
The infrastructure will be modernized and optimized, contributing to the improvement of the railway service and will increase the frequency of commercial traffic.
Increased safety:
The GSM-R technology is of crucial importance for increasing safety in railway operations, as it enables clear and fast communication in critical situations.
Environmental benefits:
By optimizing train operations and reducing delays, the GSM-R system will contribute to a more efficient use of energy, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint. More efficient train operations are in line with ADIF’s sustainability goals, such as achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9.
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16 April 20255 min readKontron Secures €20M Gsm-R Railway Communications Contract In Spain
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Railway Veteran Retires After 48 Years Of Service, Reflecting On A ‘Fantastic’ Career JourneyPosted: 16 April 2025 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet
Geoff Price retires after 48 years with Northern, starting as a carriage cleaner and ending as conductor team manager.
Credit: Northern
A Northern manager has retired after 48 years on the railway, calling time on a “fantastic” career that began with cleaning carriages and ended with managing teams at Blackpool North station.
Geoff Price, 67, from Warton, joined British Rail in July 1976 after a short stint in a factory. His first job was as a carriage cleaner at Enfield Road Carriage Sidings in Blackpool, secured with help from his uncle, Tony Bretherton, who was a train driver at the time.
“I really enjoyed it,” Geoff said. “It was a good job and I still can’t stand dirty windows or any muck.”
Geoff spent 12 years as a shunter, moving trains within the Blackpool North area. When diesel units with automatic couplings were introduced, he foresaw the role’s decline and shifted to a new position.
In 1990, he became a station chargeman at Blackpool North, ensuring timely train dispatches. “It was another challenge and something different,” he said. “I had a clean, smart uniform and interacted with the public, which was new to me. I wasn’t getting filthy and soaking wet anymore or crawling around under locomotives and coaches.”
Two years later, Geoff was promoted to station supervisor, leading the team that won the Best Kept Station Award three years in a row in the 1990s.
He later moved to Manchester Piccadilly as a revenue protection inspector. “I didn’t know much about tickets, validities and railcards when I started and had to work a lot of things out for myself,” he said. “But I was working as part of a good team and soon developed a sixth sense for spotting fare dodgers.”
Geoff returned to Blackpool in 1997 to become a trains inspector, later known as a trains manager and then conductor team manager, a role he held until his retirement.
“One of the best parts of the job was finding a good candidate, giving them a chance and then seeing them do really well,” he said. “When everything about them is spot on and you see them get promoted and move up through the ranks – that gives you a real sense of satisfaction and pride.”
Reflecting on nearly five decades in rail, Geoff said: “Everything I’ve got and been afforded over the years has come to me through working on the railway. The experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve worked with have shaped me into the person I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
He added: “I’m going to miss everybody, it’s like being part of a family. But it really is time to go as I’m not getting any younger. I want to spend some quality time with my lovely wife Patricia and Roxy Dog, my 11-year-old Chocolate Labrador.”
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.
Movers & Appointments, Operational Performance, Passenger Experience/Satisfaction, Safety, Station Developments, The People Behind the Wheel, The Workforce, Training & Development
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16 April 20255 min readRailway Veteran Retires After 48 Years Of Service, Reflecting On A ‘Fantastic’ Career Journey
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