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Cubic Transportation Systems’ To Partner With Imperial College London To Tackle...
Rail Business Daily
Cubic Transportation Systems’ To Partner With Imperial College London To Tackle...Cubic Transportation Systems has announced the launch of an innovation centre with the mission of determining how emerging technologies can solve challenges in public transit. The centre will initially conduct research on improving transit agencies’ financial sustainability through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), in a joint effort with academic experts from Imperial College London through Imperial Consultants. While the collaboration and research begin immediately, the immersive centre will open in September 2025. The centre will build upon Cubic’s legacy of innovation and technical excellence in transit. It will provide public and private sector thought leaders with a seminar space to present the latest research, demonstrate new technology and discuss emerging strategies for addressing transportation’s most critical challenges, including fare evasion, meeting net zero commitments and accessibility. It will also feature a customer experience area with a ‘tube station of the future’ — including customisable devices and digital walls for immersive demonstrations. The centre will be located within Cubic Transportation Systems’ headquarters in Redhill, Surrey. Cubic, along with independent experts from Imperial’s Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (AIDA) Lab, form a world-class think tank to tackle the issue of revenue protection. The team at Imperial, headed by Professor Danilo Mandic, Director of the AIDA Lab and Professor of Machine Intelligence, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial, brings experience as one of the world’s leaders in applications of AI to solve real-world problems. Together, Cubic and the team from Imperial will investigate how these proven approaches can be applied to transit. The centre will tackle the topic of fare evasion, which is a highly complex and expensive issue faced by public transit companies across the globe. Transport for London’s most recent annual estimate of fare evasion (2022-23) equates this to around £130 – £150m in unpaid journeys. The Imperial team will investigate rider behavioural patterns related to fare evasion and how to incentivise payment for using public transit. Cubic will also launch an internship program for students at Imperial to help foster future talent in the industry and drive innovation. Over the coming months, Cubic will announce additional academic, nonprofit and industry partners for the centre. “This collaboration is an opportunity for us to develop the transportation experts of the future,” said Professor Mandic. “Our students and researchers will be working closely with Cubic to harness the latest innovations in technology to solve transportation’s most significant challenges. We look forward to working together to develop new ideas, technologies and industry leaders.” “By developing a centre that bridges industries, academic partners and government agencies, our aim is to discover better solutions for our customers and the wider public transit ecosystem, which will contribute to increased ridership and job opportunities,” said Peter Montgomery-Torrellas, senior vice president and president of Cubic Transportation Systems. “Our long-term vision is to replicate this model in key markets around the world, expanding our industry-leading partnerships and ensuring innovation is at the core of everything we do.”
railway
Feb 14, 2025
Cairn Cross Commits To Construction Worker Charity Lighthouse
Rail Business Daily
Cairn Cross Commits To Construction Worker Charity LighthouseCairn Cross, a leading design and build specialist main contractor for rail depots and infrastructure, has announced its annual company support for the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. This partnership reinforces Cairn Cross’s commitment to the wellbeing of construction workers and their families. The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity provides emotional, financial, and physical wellbeing support to the construction and allied trades community. They offer a crucial lifeline to individuals and families facing challenges, providing a range of free and confidential support services. Cairn Cross, working predominantly in the rail industry as rail depot and infrastructure specialists, said it recognises the demanding nature of construction work and the importance of accessible support systems. This partnership with the Lighthouse Charity directly aligns with the company’s existing commitment to workforce wellbeing and expands its capacity to provide comprehensive care. “This new partnership is a great benefit to the construction community, and we are delighted by the work the Lighthouse Charity has previously carried out,” said Waheed Oluwasegun, Compliance Manager for Cairn Cross. “We understand the pressures faced by those in the construction industry, and we believe that supporting the Lighthouse Charity is a vital step in ensuring their wellbeing.” The Lighthouse Charity provides a wide array of free and confidential support services, including a 24/7 confidential helpline, financial and legal advice, mental health support and counselling, and occupational health and safety guidance. These services are designed to address the diverse needs of construction workers and their families, offering a holistic approach to wellbeing. “The Lighthouse Charity provides a range of free and confidential support services, including a 24/7 confidential helpline, mental health support and counselling, as well as occupational health and safety guidance, which will be implemented alongside our own Work Safe Live Safe strategy,” explained Jan Elliott, Training and Development Manager at Cairn Cross. “By committing to the charity, we are able to provide enhanced support, teaching, and opportunities for our current and new workforces. This partnership allows us to integrate the charity’s resources into our existing training and development programs, ensuring our employees are aware of the support available to them and how to access it.” Cairn Cross’s annual support will enable the Lighthouse Charity to continue and expand its vital work, reaching more construction workers and their families in need. Cairn Cross has recently introduced employee volunteer days, chose Andy’s Mans Club as its dedicated charity and a disability confident committed employer. This collaboration underscores Cairn Cross’s dedication to creating a supportive and healthy work environment and contributing to the overall wellbeing of the construction industry.
railway
Feb 14, 2025
Rail Commuters Receive ‘Valen-Trains Day’ Messages At Stations
Rail Business Daily
Rail Commuters Receive ‘Valen-Trains Day’ Messages At StationsTen lucky Northern commuters have been surprised with special ‘Valen-TRAINS Day’ messages to mark Valentine’s Day. Messages appeared on ticket vending machines (TVM) and customer information screens (CIS) at their local stations, including: Altrincham, Goole, Greenbank, Leeds, Manchester Victoria, Oxenholme Lake District, Preston, Scarborough, Seamer and Sunderland. It follows a social media appeal from Northern for people to write heartfelt messages to their loved ones. Messages included: To Emily. Rose’s are Red, Violets are Blue. Get on this train, so I can see you! From Jon. #ValenTRAINSday To Markus. Love you most, and you can’t say I don’t because now it’s on a train screen! From Deacon #ValenTRAINSday To Georgie. Trains are Blue and White but you make my heart nice and red. From Jack. #ValenTRAINSday To Robert. Love you more than trains! From Anne. #ValenTRAINSday  To Bethany. Thankyou for literally everything you do for me. I love you sweetheart so so much honestly I do. From Charlie. #ValenTRAINSday To Azka. Thank you for completing me and my life ! You are my better half in every sense. From Ahmad #ValenTRAINSday Wishing my soulmate Marc M a Happy Valentines Day in our 3rd year after travelling this line most weekends to be together!  I love you…. your Hayley Moo x #ValenTRAINSday  To Dan. Happy Valentine’s Day, lots of love. From Jess #ValenTRAINSday Couples whose ‘Valen-TRAINS Day’ messages featured on one of the screens are also being sent a free Duo ticket for them to travel as a couple to anywhere on the Northern network.
railway
Feb 14, 2025
Railway Romances And The Lner Connection
Rail Business Daily
Railway Romances And The Lner ConnectionLNER has searched high and low, from Scottish Highlands to the streets of London to find some of the most heart-warming railway romances. Couples Angela and Victor, Jess and Andrew, and Natt and Nick all found love on the lines and are sharing their special stories this Valentine’s Day.   With a route stretching for almost a thousand miles along the East Coast Main Line, LNER is proud to have played its role as cupid’s arrow struck.   Natt and Nick  Natt and Nick’s romance is a modern love story. Meeting online through their passion for the railways, the pair were studying in Durham and Lincoln respectively. Although more than one-hundred miles separated them, both cities are served by LNER on the East Coast Main Line, helping them to stay connected via their favourite form of transport. The couple decided that their first in-person date in 2023 would be in Durham at a nature reserve by the railway station, a peaceful place in full view of the railway lines where they watched LNER Azuma trains go by.   Their great rail adventures since have included numerous jaunts across the country, including a walk of the East Coast Main Line between Berwick-upon-Tweed and the small Scottish village of Burnmouth in June 2023 where they witnessed the inaugural journey of the named Azuma train ‘Together’, which celebrates Pride.   Jess and Andrew  Jess and Andrew both studied at different universities in Edinburgh. Travelling home for Christmas during the busy festive season in December 2019, Andrew’s journey was not the one he had planned. Originally intending to travel on a different service, Andrew joined a particularly busy service where he ended up sitting next to Jess in one of the few available seats. Over the course of the journey, Jess and Andrew chatted at length, and before leaving the train, Andrew made sure to leave Jess his mobile number. In the new year, they met up for coffee and kept in touch sporadically over the next few years.   It wasn’t until January 2022 that Jess and Andrew enjoyed their first ‘official date’ in Edinburgh. In the years that followed, love continued to blossom, and they got engaged in 2024.   Victor and Angela  For Victor and Angela, a journey to London brought about a chance meeting as they struck up a conversation and romance blossomed. Victor was on his way home and Angela on her way to a talk when they found themselves sitting next to each other on a journey between Darlington and London King’s Cross. After hitting it off, having promised the stranger she met on a train that she would email him, Angela dropped Victor a line. His swift reply contained, what Angela claims, was “a thousand questions” but emails turned to phone calls and then eventually an in-person ‘date’, and another LNER journey to London for Angela.   In 2021, Victor moved up to the North of England to Hartlepool to live with Angela and the couple married in September 2024.   Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER, said: ”At LNER we like to put heart into everyone’s journey – so it’s wonderful to hear of so many stories of people finding love on our line. We’re delighted that so many couples have either met on an LNER train, or used our trains to stay connected to someone special”  In advance of Valentine’s Day, LNER has also shared its ‘Romantic City Breaks’ destination inspiration, its guide to the destinations perfect for a romantic getaway.
railway
Feb 14, 2025
Great Western Railway’S ‘Apprentice Train’ Helps Celebrate Hat-Trick Of Milestones
Rail Business Daily
Great Western Railway’S ‘Apprentice Train’ Helps Celebrate Hat-Trick Of MilestonesGreat Western Railway (GWR) has celebrated a hat-trick of milestones as it operated a service crewed by current and former apprentices. The ‘Apprentice Train’ formed the 1035 service from London Paddington to Exeter St Davids on Thursday (February 13) and featured GWR colleagues performing a variety of roles. It formed part of celebrations for National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-16), marked 10 years of GWR’s special partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) and also paid a nod to Railway 200 as the industry reflects on the past 200 years and looks forward to an exciting future. GWR Customer Services Director, Rachel Geliamassi, said: “The ‘Apprentice Train’ is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the diverse range of jobs available in the rail industry and shine a light on some of the incredible people we have working as part of our railway family. “Its timing couldn’t be any more perfect as we’ve just opened vacancies for our apprenticeship programmes starting in August. If you’re interested in a career with GWR we’d urge you to visit our apprenticeships page online. And hurry – the vacancies are only open for one month!” The ‘Apprentice Train’ was masterminded by Sophie Carter, 21, from Plymouth, an Aspire Driver Manager Apprentice and Gold DofE Award holder. She said: “We’re helping to shine a light on the wide range of opportunities available for anyone considering a career in the railway. There are 11 current or former apprentices involved in today’s service and all of us can vouch for what an exciting industry it is to work in.” Apprentices were on board the train handing out flyers and GWR goodies, as well as answering questions from passengers and those considering a career in the railway.  They were joined by DofE Youth Ambassadors – young DofE Award holders and participants who advocate for young people and help steer the charity’s work –  as the service called at 10 stations, symbolising the 10-year partnership between the DofE charity and GWR. DofE Business was developed to bring the benefits of achieving a DofE Award to the workplace. Since 2015, more than 80 GWR apprentices have successfully completed  a Gold DofE Award through the DofE Business programme. A further 82 are currently participating, with another group of nine starting in March. Alex McDowell, Director of Fundraising, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said: “We’re delighted to celebrate 10 years in partnership with GWR. As a committed supporter, GWR recognises the value of doing a DofE programme. Their support has enabled thousands of marginalised young people to access the DofE and improve their skills, wellbeing and community ties. “Over the last decade, more than 80 GWR apprentices have achieved their Gold Award through DofE Business, and it’s amazing to see the impact Award holders – many of whom are staffing today’s train – have had in the organisation. “GWR’s young workforce has gone above and beyond in their DofE journeys – volunteering in their communities, fostering their network and developing essential skills like leadership, teamworking and confidence, to support their career development. We’re grateful for GWR’s ongoing support and can’t wait to see where the next cohort’s DofE journeys will take them.” Exeter College is proud to partner with GWR for the delivery of its apprenticeships and welcomed the train to Exeter St Davids for its final stop. Customers were encouraged to attend the Exeter College Apprenticeship Expo, where GWR was among 50 employers exhibiting from a diverse range of sectors, aiming to inspire and inform young people about the exciting apprenticeship opportunities available in the region. Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive, John Laramy CBE, said: “Exeter College is delighted to partner with GWR in offering exceptional apprenticeships. Located in the heart of the GWR community, we were excited to welcome many of our current and former apprentices back to Exeter today to celebrate the world that is apprenticeships. “Our partnership with GWR is a great example of what can be achieved when a college and fantastic employer work together to create something truly sector leading.” Find out more about GWR’s apprenticeship programmes here.
railway
Feb 14, 2025
Cross Party Support Reaffirmed For Women In Transport
Rail Business Daily
Cross Party Support Reaffirmed For Women In TransportCross-party support for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Women in Transport was confirmed at the Inaugural Meeting of this Parliament, held in  Westminster Hall on 12th February.   Newly elected Chair, Elsie Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North said: “I am delighted today to have chaired the inaugural meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Women in Transport.   “As someone who has worked in transport policy prior to being elected as the Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton North, I recognise the immense contribution that women across the country have made, and crucially, can make, across the transport sector – a sector so integral to growing our economy, tearing down barriers to opportunity and improving the lives of constituents like mine. “From ensuring women are better represented in the sector, providing key assurances related to passenger safety, to seizing the opportunities of greater transport devolution to regions and nations, I am eager to get to work with colleagues – on a cross-party basis – to bring focus to these issues and bring about solutions as to how we address them.   “I look forward to our next meeting where we will finalise our programme of work and determine how we can most effectively take action. “I would like to thank all those who have joined up as members and for the contribution that they will make in the year ahead.” In the meeting, the Chair, Vice-Chair and Officers were elected and agreed a Programme of Work to run throughout the year to support women working in transport.   Upcoming events include a roundtable on women’s safety (sponsored by West Coast Partnership) and the opportunities for women transport professionals presented by devolution, but a fuller programme will be decided by the new membership. Women in Transport is always open to working with new sponsors and partners.   Jo Field, President of Women in Transport and Secretariat to the APPG for Women in Transport, said: “I very much welcome the cross-party support of Parliamentarians tackling the underrepresentation of women in the transport sector workforce.” “By shining a light on key issues and working with employers and industry leaders, we can promote the transport sector’s opportunities and inspire the next generation of talent.” The following Parliamentarians were elected as officers of APPG for Women in Transport: Chair: Elsie Blundell MP (Labour, Heywood and Middleton North) Vice-Chair: Catherine Atkinson MP (Labour, Derby North) Officers: Lord (Daniel) Moylan (Conservative); Baroness (Caroline) Pidgeon MBE (Liberal Democrat)
railway
Feb 14, 2025
In The News | 14Th February 2025 | Latest Rail News
Rail Business Daily
In The News | 14Th February 2025 | Latest Rail NewsInTheNews: The latest rail news on Friday, 14th February 2025 A train which is powered purely on hydrogen is now undergoing tests with those behind it hoping it could help move the industry away from fossil fuels. An article on the BBC website says the former Thameslink locomotive has been converted in Warwickshire and now only produces water as an emission. The company behind the project hopes the train could be a cheaper alternative for railway lines which cannot be electrified. Tests are being carried out on routes in Warwickshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands ahead of potential future commercial uses. The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has said engineers have found two possible solutions to repair the damage caused by this month’s landslip – but the job “isn’t a thing we can rush”. An article on The Express and Star website says SVR is working closely with structural and geotechnical experts to narrow down repair options for the significant landslip it has recently suffered. External experts met on Wednesday with the SVR’s consulting engineer to review the available topographical and borehole data, gathered since the incident happened at Mor Brook two weeks ago. West Country MPs have demanded that the government commit to delivering two new railway stations as the result of the spending review looms. An article on The Sidmouth Herald says Somerset suffered heavily during the Beeching cuts of the mid-1960s, with numerous towns and villages seeing their stations closed and entire lines being ripped up forever. Plans to restore rail services to Wellington and the nearby town of Cullompton in Devon have moved forward in recent times – with Cherwyn Developments gaining approval in May 2024 to deliver the access to a new Wellington station as part of a new estate of 200 homes. A 25-year-old woman gave birth to a baby girl on a NYC subway train Wednesday morning, according to Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials. An article on Yahoo! News says at approximately 11:32 a.m., passengers on a southbound W train alerted the conductor that a woman was giving birth inside one of the cars, according to the MTA. “As we’re entering 34th Street, you hear her asking, ‘Help, help, help,'” passenger Bryanna Brown, who captured the moment on video, told New York ABC station WABC. “You [then] hear a baby start crying.” The train stopped at the 34th Street-Herald Square station, under the flagship Macy’s department store. Several commuters assisted the woman in the delivery, with one even cutting the umbilical cord with a pocket knife, according to Brown.
railway
Feb 14, 2025
Young Rail Professionals Showcase Skills To Mark National Apprenticeship Week
Rail Business Daily
Young Rail Professionals Showcase Skills To Mark National Apprenticeship WeekApprentices at the West Midlands’ primary rail operator have shared their experiences of working in the rail industry to mark National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-14). West Midlands Railway (WMR) employs more than 100 apprentices across its depots, offices and on its trains. Officials from the worlds of skills, local Government and the rail industry were among guests who attended a special event at Tyseley maintenance depot in Birmingham yesterday (Thursday 13 February), where many of WMR’s apprenticeship roles are based. Ian McConnell, WMR Managing Director, said: “Working in the rail industry is an incredibly varied and interesting career. We are committed to offering young people right across our network the chance take the first step on the ladder. “Last year we started 49 brand new apprenticeships across the business, offering on-the-job training and support in a fast-paced, professional environment. There is no typical apprentice, with applicants from any background welcome to apply. “As the railway celebrates its 200th anniversary, through our apprenticeship and graduate schemes we are proud to play our part in inspiring and nurturing the next generation of railway workers.” At the Tyseley event, guests heard from two 19-year-old WMR apprentices about their day-to-day roles maintaining dozens of trains at the depot and how they got started in the rail industry. Apprentice Technician Owen said: “I started as an apprentice at the age of 16 fresh from school. The apprenticeship is four years in total with a mix of college-based lessons and practical experience on the shop floor. Working on the railway can be a job for life.” Fellow Apprentice Technician Yuvraj added: “At the moment I am in my third year of my apprenticeship and most of my days at the moment are spent either doing preventative maintenance or heavy maintenance of wheelsets. We work on two main types of train at Tyseley, which are the Class 172 fleet and the newer Class 196 fleet.” To find out more about apprenticeships at WMR and hear from more apprentices, visit www.wmr.uk/apprenticeships
railway
Feb 14, 2025
Greater Anglia To Offer New Placement For Young People...
Rail Business Daily
Greater Anglia To Offer New Placement For Young People...Greater Anglia is offering a new three-week placement for young people currently out of work to gain vital skills for the workplace. The ‘First Step Into Rail’ scheme will give the 12 successful candidates a wide range of skills to use in any future jobs on the railway or in other industries. Applications to the scheme are now open on the Greater Anglia website and can be made until 23 February. The scheme is aimed at individuals aged 18 to 25 who are unemployed and not in training or education. As part of the scheme, candidates will spend two days per week in the classroom in Greater Anglia’s Stratford headquarters and three days at busy key stations across its network. The company, which runs trains from London Liverpool Street to destinations in Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk, is looking for people who have good communication skills, are keen to learn, have a willingness to develop their skills, and expand their CV. Successful candidates will learn from experienced Customer Service staff members at stations, while staff from Central Training Group will teach softer skills and additional topics such as personal confidence and self-awareness, prejudice and discrimination awareness, unconscious bias, and time management skills. They will also learn about how to deal with general conflict management, customer complaints, and aggressive behaviour. Viktorija Novikova, Greater Anglia’s Early Careers and Apprenticeship Manager, said: “We are excited to offer the new ‘First Step Into Rail’ scheme to the people in the communities we serve and provide them with a taste of what working on the railway is like at both our HQ and busy stations. “We have worked hard to ensure this will be a valuable three weeks, giving attendees some valuable skills they can take away and use in many other roles and industries too.” Sarah Ludlow, Director of Business Training & Quality at Central Training Group, said: “We’re proud to team up with Greater Anglia and to play our part in teaching those on the ‘First Step Into Rail’ vital skills for any workplace, but particularly the railway where communication and teamwork is so vital. “We wish all those applying good luck.”  Applications for the ‘First Step Into Rail’ scheme, which will begin on 3 March 2025, can be made via the Greater Anglia website until 23 February 2025. Interviews will be co-ordinated by the operator’s partners at Central Training Group. Candidates will not be paid during the scheme but will receive reimbursement for any expenses incurred. Free travel on the Greater Anglia network during their time with the company will be provided.
railway
Feb 14, 2025
Rail Innovation Exhibition
Rail Business Daily
Rail Innovation ExhibitionThe Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy has spoken about the progress being made on rail reform and how unlocking innovation on the railway is a key part in it. Speaking at the Rail Innovation Exhibition 2025, he outlined in his speech the creation of GBRX as the newly established strategic innovation body, tasked to overcome the barriers to adoption of advanced technologies on Britain’s railway. During his speech he also mentioned Chair of Shadow GBR Laura Shoaf, who he said, “Is bringing together the publicly owned parts of our railways, and that establishing a culture of collaboration and reducing fragmentation is not just beneficial—it’s essential”. In January 2025, the Secretary of State for Transport set out her five priorities for Shadow GBR. GBRX’s mandate is to deliver priority four: ‘drive strategic innovation across track and train, forming links with world leading innovators to improve how the railway works for people and support the UK as a technology and AI power.’ The Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, continued: “That’s exactly why we created GBRX, to challenge and accelerate change—to break the pattern of slow adoption that has historically held our railways back. Much of that delay is due to fragmentation, contractual complexities, and the way our system operates. GBRX is our solution to overcoming these barriers, helping to modernise the railway faster and embrace new technology more effectively.” Already, GBRX is bringing together industry and academia, driving progress in AI, data science, and analytics. It’s enabling different parts of the railway to collaborate more efficiently, ensuring that when new technology is ready, we are ready to adopt it. Because, as you all know, that doesn’t happen on its own—it requires support, funding, and, most importantly, a railway prepared to seize the opportunity. GBRX is operating under Shadow GBR for now and eventually as part of GBR itself. Toufic Machnouk, Managing Director of GBRX said: “It is an honour to be tasked with the mandate of establishing and leading GBRX, I am bringing with me the team who have direct experience of mobilising the sector for the digital railway programme, and we are now building a specialised capability for strategic innovation, creating relationships with world leading innovators and collaborating across the sector to overcome barriers and maximise impact.”
railway
Feb 14, 2025
Svr Moves Towards A Solution For Its Serious Landslip
Rail Business Daily
Svr Moves Towards A Solution For Its Serious LandslipThe Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is working closely with structural and geotechnical experts to narrow down repair options for the significant landslip it has recently suffered. External experts met yesterday (12 February) with the SVR’s consulting engineer to review the available topographical and borehole data, gathered since the incident happened at Mor Brook two weeks ago. ‘It was a very positive meeting,’ said Antony Bartlam of J Turner and Associates. ‘The good news is that we’ve narrowed down the possibilities to a couple of potential solutions. However, there’s some further work to do before the project team finalises the route we’ll take, and that’s when we’ll be able to understand more about the timescale and the costs.’ The SVR’s head of infrastructure, Chris Bond added, ‘This really isn’t a thing we can rush. It’s important to bear in mind that there are extra complications involved with this particular problem. As well as choosing the best repair option, we’ll have to liaise with external agencies and third parties, such as landowners and National Grid, whose power lines are very close to the slip site. ‘The reality is that there’s a lot of preparatory work to do before there are spades on the ground. We are determined to deliver a safe, long-lasting and cost-effective repair as quickly as circumstances will allow, so we can open up the northernmost section of our line.’ The landslip meant the immediate closure of the line between the SVR’s northern terminus at Bridgnorth and the next station at Hampton Loade. However, services between Kidderminster and Hampton Loade are going ahead as the railway prepares for its half term opening this Saturday (15 February). ‘We’re delighted that we’ve still got 12 miles of the line in full operation,’ said SVR managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster. ‘We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors for what promises to be a busy half term. ‘Getting the full line back in operation is of course a huge priority for us, and in civil engineering terms, we’re making great progress. ‘We are so grateful for the incredible public response to this incident. Donations are arriving every day, and in the couple of weeks since the news broke, we’ve raised more than £75,000 towards the costs of repairing the landslip. Thank you to every single one of the 1,427 people who have so far donated.’ Visit svr.co.uk to donate to the SVR Resilience Fund, and for more information on services.
railway
Feb 14, 2025
A Rising Star In Rail: Emr Announces Its Apprentice...
Rail Business Daily
A Rising Star In Rail: Emr Announces Its Apprentice...A dedicated and passionate member of East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) Control team has been named Apprentice of the Year 2025 – with her outstanding commitment to learning and leadership being recognised. Alys Lee, who lives in Loughborough, was presented with the prize as part of the company’s work to mark National Apprenticeship Week. Alys works as a Duty Service Delivery Manager based in Derby. Her role involves the strategic management of incidents and disruption – helping to get staff and customers moving again.  Alongside her current role, she has taken part in the Excelling in Operational Management apprenticeship. The apprenticeship places an emphasis on celebrating women in leadership and diversity as a whole, aiming to inspire, motivate, and empower current female leaders and future talent. She was nominated by her colleagues, who praised her dedication to making positive changes and her passion for supporting the team. Reflecting on her decision to enrol on the apprenticeship, she said: “I was keen to develop my skills through a formal qualification. The apprenticeship provided the perfect opportunity, offering the flexibility to manage my learning alongside my shifts.” Her journey into the rail industry began when she took on a Customer Service Assistant role onboard Virgin Trains’ Pendolinos between Manchester and London. After a brief career as British Airways cabin crew, Alys returned to the railway and has since held various positions across the industry, gaining a wealth of experience. Alys said winning the award meant a lot to her. She said: “I’m really grateful to be recognised for my hard work. It means a lot that my colleagues in Control see the impact I’m making. This award is a huge confidence boost and motivates me to continue striving for excellence.” Alys is a strong advocate for women in rail and wants to encourage others to pursue apprenticeships. She said: “The railway industry is full of opportunities, and an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to develop skills while working. The Women in Leadership programme has been invaluable in connecting me with other women who share similar experiences and challenges.” Apply to be an apprentice today East Midlands Railway is proud to support apprenticeship programmes that enable employees to grow, develop, and make a meaningful impact on the industry. If you are considering an apprenticeship in rail, visit our website to learn more and apply today: www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk.
railway
Feb 14, 2025