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Rail Business Daily
Work At Severn Tunnel Junction Gets Underway Later This...Passengers are being urged to check before they travel between South Wales and Bristol/Gloucester on the weekend of January 25-26 when Network Rail will be carrying out track renewals at two locations as well as a range of other essential work.
There will be no direct trains between Bristol/Gloucester and South Wales all weekend so the work at Severn Tunnel Junction station and Llandevenny can be safely carried out.
Engineers are working across the two sites, replacing 522 yards of track through platform 2 at Severn Tunnel Junction station and another 275 yards at Llandevenny, between Severn Tunnel Junction and Newport stations.
At Severn Tunnel Junction, engineers will replace 2,000 tonnes of ballast and 730 sleepers, using five engineering trains. At Llandevenny, they will replace 1,150 tonnes of ballast and 420 sleepers, using four engineering trains.
While the railway is closed, teams will also be carrying out a range of tasks within the Severn Tunnel itself, including maintenance of the overhead line equipment (OLE), as well as working on a cutting on the Severn Estuary.
Recent periods of adverse weather, including high rainfall, snow, and ice, have led to further deterioration of the cutting, preventing engineers from completing the ongoing stabilisation work between Awre and Purton. This closure will allow them to safely complete the work and ensure the continued safe operation of the railway.
While the lines from Gloucester and Bristol into South Wales are closed, rail replacement buses will operate.
Transport for Wales will operate a bus service between Newport and Gloucester/Cheltenham Spa, while GWR will run buses from Bristol Parkway to Cardiff Central (non-stop) and from Bristol Parkway to Newport (non-stop, plus some services stopping at Patchway and Severn Tunnel Junction).
GWR trains will still run from Bristol Parkway toward Swindon, Bristol Temple Meads and Gloucester, plus between Patchway and Bristol Temple Meads (Saturday only). GWR will also operate trains between Newport and Swansea/Carmarthen.
Train services between Bristol/Gloucester and South Wales are due to resume on Monday, January 27.
Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders Route Director, said: “We recognise there is never a good time to close the Severn Tunnel and the Gloucester line at the same time, but we have planned this work to minimise disruption as much as possible.
“The location of the track renewal – where life-expired track must be replaced – means both lines must be closed for our teams to safely carry out the work.
“With the lines closed, we are also taking the opportunity to replace the track at Llandevenny, which is on the single line heading up to the Bishton flyover and can only be carried out with all lines blocked.
“We apologise to customers who were planning to travel on those lines over the weekend of January 25-26 and ask them to check before they travel.
“We are committed to investing in railway infrastructure in Wales and Borders, in order to deliver reliable and low-carbon transport, and this £890,000 track renewal is a key part of that.”railway
Jan 15, 2025
Rail Business Daily
Southeastern Class 707 ‘City Beam’ Trains To Be Fitted...Customers travelling with Southeastern in south-east London and parts of Kent can soon look forward to new on-board toilets as part of a multi-million-pound investment between Angel Trains and Southeastern.
Final contractual agreements are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, at which point detailed final designs can get underway. Once complete, accessible toilets will be fitted on all 30 of the Class 707 ‘City Beam’ trains which serve south-east London and parts of Kent, carrying thousands of passengers every day.
The toilets are expected to be the larger accessible toilets; with a wide electric sliding door entrance, suitable for wheelchair users and customers with other accessibility requirements. They will also be more convenient for customers with children, pushchairs or luggage.
The installation of toilets on the City Beam fleet is part of a wider commitment by Southeastern to making it simpler and easier to access public toilets across the network. Earlier this year, Southeastern opened their first ‘Changing Places’ toilet in Margate and has also introduced new accessible toilets at Canterbury East and Herne Bay.
In addition, earlier this year Southeastern upgraded its customer information screens to show if on-board toilets are working, allowing customers to make informed decisions about their journeys before boarding while also investing in more cleaning staff to clean and maintain facilities.
As the City Beam fleet operates on Southeastern’s Metro routes, these additional toilets will complement Transport for London’s commitment to increase the number of customer toilets available in their stations, too.
Mark Johnson, Engineering Director at Southeastern, said: “We know how important it is for customers to be able to simply and quickly access toilets when they are travelling. Earlier this year we welcomed the final two City Beams and although they are our newest trains, we knew there was more we could still do and so we are looking forward to detailed design work starting early in the New Year and the first units to arrive with us in due course.”
David Jordan, COO of Angel Trains, said: “The installation of new, accessible toilets on all Southeastern’s Class 707 ‘City Beam’ trains will make a considerable improvement to the on board journey experience for commuter and leisure passengers alike. It marks another key step in our comprehensive programme of investment, in partnership with train operators, to deliver modern trains that are fit for purpose now and for many years to come. We look forward to the work getting underway.”
The Class 707 was originally purchased by a neighbouring operator who did not specify customer toilets to be included in their construction.railway
Jan 15, 2025
Rail Business Daily
Passengers Make 50,000 Journeys On Northumberland Line Services In First MonthPassengers have made more than 50,000 journeys on Northumberland Line services in the first month after the opening.
The line reopened to passengers – for the first time in 60 years – in December, thanks to a £298.5m project involving the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Northumberland County Council and Northern.
Services now call at Newcastle, Manors, Seaton Delaval and Ashington, with a journey along the entire 18-mile route taking around 35 minutes and a single ticket costing no more than £3.
Tickets for more than 50,000 journeys have been bought since the opening and Saturdays have been particularly popular.
That includes more than 3,500 journeys made on the opening day (Sunday, 15 December), when the platform in Ashington was packed with people waiting to catch a glimpse of the first service.
More than 16,000 journeys were then recorded in the first week.
Paul Henry, Programme Manager for the Northumberland Line, said: “It has been fantastic to welcome thousands of passengers on board after we spent years planning and preparing for the opening.
“The line is already making such an impact in the region and opening up new opportunities for so many people.”
Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “This is a great milestone to reach after a month of opening and shows just how much need there was for this line which we’ve worked so hard for over the past few years.
“It’s been fantastic to see how popular the service has been over the festive period, as well as those using it every day whether for work or education.
“We’re looking forward to more stations opening in the near future which will no doubt increase passenger numbers even further.”
Northern is reminding all customers to buy tickets before they board the train. They can be bought from the Northern website and app, ticket vending machines and over the counter at ticket offices.
The maximum peak-time single fare – for the trip from Newcastle to Ashington – is £3 and a return trip costs £6. An off-peak single for the same journey is £2.60 and a return is £5.20.
Posters at each of the stations remind passengers they can be issued with a £100 penalty fare if they do not buy a valid ticket before they board.
Northern has worked with Nexus, the public body which runs Tyne and Wear Metro, and Northumberland County Council to provide integrated fares for multi-modal journeys.
Customers can seamlessly switch between Metro and Northern services by using the North East’s Pop ‘Pay As You Go’ system to purchase smart fares.
Northern is running two daytime services an hour on the Northumberland Line from Monday to Saturday and one train per hour in the evenings and on Sundays.
Passengers travel on Class 158 trains, which have space for bicycles and wheelchairs, accessible toilets, free on-board Wi-Fi and charging points.
New stations in Newsham, Bedlington, Blyth Bebside and Northumberland Park remain under construction and they are due to open this year.railway
Jan 15, 2025
Rail Business Daily
Lner Unveils ‘Darlington’ Livery As Its Celebrates 200 Years Of The RailwayTo kick off a year of celebrations, LNER has unveiled a commemorative livery on one of its Azuma trains to mark 200 years since the first passenger journey on the world-famous Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR).
‘Darlington’ has been designed to hail the town’s world-changing contribution to the railway throughout the years and showcases significant events and landmarks from its history.
Included on the striking livery is Locomotion No.1, the first locomotive to haul passengers on the S&DR, the first edition of the Northern Echo, published in Darlington and the UK’s first truly national newspaper, Hopetown, the Darlington railway museum located on the grounds of the former S&DR works; capped off with an LNER Azuma train and the design of the new entrance to the station.
In a special event at Darlington station, the train’s livery was unveiled with help from Voices of Darlington Choir and Durham singer-songwriter Sam Slatcher who performed his composition inspired by the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
The station, which is managed by LNER, has also been decorated to remind the millions of customers that pass through it each year of this special anniversary.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “This is an exciting year for the rail industry as we mark the bicentenary of the mammoth impact from the first passenger journey on the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
“LNER is delighted to play its own part in celebrating this huge milestone by dedicating the livery of one of our Azuma trains to the town of Darlington, its history and heritage.
“200 years ago, this railway line sparked a world-wide change, and we feel proud and privileged that, today, LNER connects millions of customers to Darlington and over 50 other destinations across the East Coast Main Line and beyond.”
The S&DR Rail Heritage Partnership Chair, Reuben Kench said: “I’m thrilled that this new livery will be seen by thousands of people as the train passes through many destinations along LNER’s East Coast route, including Darlington.
“We are proud to be working with LNER throughout this momentous year and the design on their Azuma train is a great way of highlighting the Stockton & Darlington Railway bicentenary. LNER are a major partner in our 9-month celebration of the role the region played in the birth of modern railways.
The new livery has been applied to unit 801207 and will operate its first passenger service from King’s Cross to Edinburgh on Tuesday evening (14 January).
S&DR200 Festival runs between March and November 2025 at various locations across County Durham and Tees Valley in 2025.
S&DR200 is delivered by Darlington Borough Council, Durham County Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. www.sdr200.co.ukrailway
Jan 15, 2025
Rail Business Daily
In The News | 15Th January 2025 | Latest Rail NewsInTheNews: The latest rail news on Wednesday, 15th January 2025
The West Coast Main Line, which connects London with Glasgow and has branches running to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh, needs to have overhead wires replaced, as well as signal and track upgrades.
An article on LBC news says the work will require engineers to close the line for weeks every year to keep freight traffic between London and Scotland going.
Stations that will be particularly affected include Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan, Preston, Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle, according to the Times, citing Network Rail planning documents.
Rail replacement buses will be laid on, but there are fears the works will cause delays across the UK rail network.
Delays and overcrowding caused by the part-closure of the Piccadilly line should start to ease by the “end of January”, Transport for London has promised.
An article on the Evening Standard says problems with worn-out wheels have caused a dire shortage of trains on the line, with only 60 of the 86 trains in the Piccadilly line fleet able to be used on Tuesday.
But TfL chiefs hope to have 70 trains repaired and back in service in the next two to three weeks, meaning the western end of the line between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge can be reopened.
This will have a hugely beneficial impact on the rest of the line as it will mean more trains per hour, especially at peak times, which will reduce overcrowding.
The Rail Minister has called on the industry to not just celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, but to look at the present and the future.
Lord Hendy was speaking at the Railway Industry Association’s (RIA) Parliamentary Reception at the Terrace Pavilion, House of Commons.
The reception brought together senior leaders and stakeholders from across the railway sector to hear from Lord Hendy, Network Rail’s Andrew Haines, Gareth Bacon, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport and Paul Kohler, Liberal Democrats Transport Spokesperson, and event host Derby MP Catherine Atkinson.
Click here for more details.
Customers travelling with Southeastern in south-east London and parts of Kent can soon look forward to new on-board toilets as part of a multi-million-pound investment between Angel Trains and Southeastern
Final contractual agreements are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks, at which point detailed final designs can get underway.
Once complete, accessible toilets will be fitted on all 30 of the Class 707 ‘City Beam’ trains which serve south-east London and parts of Kent, carrying thousands of passengers every day.railway
Jan 15, 2025
Rail Business Daily
It’S The People That Make The DifferenceWith growing patronage, transformational projects, and rail reform, it will be an exciting time for the railway in 2025. However, this will only be possible if the industry attracts and retains top talent.
SLC, a leading rail consultancy, will be looking for individuals to join its award-winning team this year. With a proven track record of delivering successful infrastructure projects for public and private sector organisations, SLC offers an environment where people can thrive and make an impact.
Marking 15 years in business, SLC has had an impressive journey, having worked on over 120 projects. From developing new stations and railway bridges, as well as master planning and refurbishment schemes, the company has played a key role in enhancing rail infrastructure for third parties and developers.
Sam Uren, Director of SLC, said: “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved and how we have helped our clients progress railway schemes that not only improve people’s lives today but also leave a lasting legacy.”
At the heart of SLC’s success is its commitment to creating a psychologically safe workplace culture focusing on personal growth and an understanding of what every individual can offer the industry. This dedication to culture has earned the company accolades such as the NCE Awards Best Place to Work – SME Consulting Firm 2024 and recognition as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ 2024 by Great Place To Work®.
Sam explained: “It has always been important to us to create a culture that enables people to thrive, and we foster a genuinely innovative and collaborative atmosphere. We’re a people business and believe that by being valued and empowered our people are able to speak out from their unique perspective. This often translates into better outcomes for our clients – because it’s the relationships and the understanding of bespoke client needs that enables projects to be successful.”
SLC’s unique approach to employee engagement is rooted in its flat hierarchical structure, where ideas and initiatives from all team members are valued, combined with a flexible work environment that grants employees the autonomy to deliver innovative and proactive solutions to clients.
The company also offers a competitive benefits package that goes beyond traditional benefits to address employee needs. “We’re always listening to employee feedback and making changes to keep evolving as a business and give our people the best experience possible”, added Sam.
If you’re interested in working at SLC, visit www.slcrail.com/careers.railway
Jan 15, 2025
Rail Business Daily
Vital Engineering Work In The Portsmouth Area To Close The Railway For A WeekFrom Saturday 15 to Friday 21 February 2025, parts of the railway between Portsmouth and Havant and Fareham will be closed and rail replacement buses will be in operation, while Network Rail completes critical engineering upgrades to the railway.
During the seven-day line closure, Network Rail engineers will be working around the clock to upgrade the railway in the Portsmouth area across a number of different worksites, including:
These upgrades and specifically the replacement of new track will help reduce the need for temporary speed restrictions and boost the reliability of the railway in this area, making for smoother, quieter, more comfortable and reliable journeys for passengers in the future.
How will this work impact train services?
Saturday 15 – Tuesday 18 February – A rail replacement bus service will be running between Havant and Fareham and Havant and Portsmouth Harbour. Southern passengers can use South Western Railway trains between Fareham and Southampton Central. When these are not running in the early morning and late evening, Southern will run rail replacement buses between Havant and Southampton Central.
Saturday 15 – Friday 21 February A rail replacement bus service will be running between Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour.
Passengers are advised to check with their train operator, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway or Southern, for more information about rail replacement services.
Mark Goodall, Network Rail’s Wessex Route Director, said: “There’s never a good time to close the railway but the February half-term will see fewer passengers using our services.
“Our engineers will be working across a number of worksites to complete a range of really important upgrades that, once complete, will make for more reliable and enjoyable journeys for the many passengers who travel on this busy and critical part of the rail network.
“I’d like to apologise to any passengers impacted by this work and thank them for bearing with us while we carry out these vital improvements to our railway.”
Peter Williams, Customer and Commercial Director for South Western Railway said: “We’re recommending that customers check before travelling if they are using our services in the Portsmouth area, as rail replacement buses will run from Fareham and Havant, and also between Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour.
“We’re sorry for the disruption, however, the work our colleagues at Network Rail will carry out during these closures will result in a more reliable railway and smoother journeys.”
Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director at Southern, said: “Please be sure to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time for your journey if you’re travelling west of Havant with Southern this February half term. We have all the information on our website southernrailway.com.”railway
Jan 15, 2025
Rail Business Daily
Jonathan Ziebart Joins Rebelgroup As DirectorJonathan Ziebart has transitioned from his role as UK Managing Director of Ascendal Group to join international investment and advisory house, RebelGroup, as a Director in their London offices.
Jonathan brings 14 years of strategic growth, investment and business turnaround experience from the international public transport industry, most notably including rail operations in the UK, USA and Denmark, and bus operations in Hong Kong, Chile, Singapore, Malaysia, Panama, India, USA and UK. Widely regarded an industry expert, Jonathan has particular interest and international expertise in the fields of fleet decarbonisation; bus franchising; and transport and related infrastructure investments.
Jonathan has previously worked in senior international business development roles at FirstGroup and Tower Transit (now Kelsian Group). In 2018, he was one of the founding members of Ascendal Group, where he played a crucial role in expanding Ascendal’s operations across three continents and was instrumental in securing major contracts, including the operating partner contract for Citybus in Hong Kong. Most recently, he has led the transformation of Ascendal UK’s Cambridge-based business, Whippet, to national recognition in industry awards; whilst having overseen the launch of the UK’s first privately funded electric bus fleet.
Speaking about the appointment of Jonathan Ziebart, Kimmo Oostermeyer, founder of Rebel Infrastructure, Assets & Operations states: “Jonathan’s move to RebelGroup is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and robust leadership to the company, as we continue to expand our advisory services in the international bus sector and strengthen our position in the UK. His international track record of success at Ascendal and his deep understanding of the transportation and infrastructure industries position him well to contribute significantly to RebelGroup’s future endeavours.”
Jonathan comments that he is passionate about delivering real practical change to how transport operations are delivered. “With the UK bus industry facing a challenging outlook – from widespread bus franchising to fleet decarbonisation – I look forward to working alongside my colleagues at RebelGroup to support operators and authorities alike in delivering best in class transport. This time of challenge is also a great time of opportunity for transport investment, and I am excited to work with and advise the wider transport financial ecosystem on maximising long-term value.”railway
Jan 15, 2025
Rail Business Daily
National Rail Museum Becomes Rail Forum’S 2025 Stem PartnerRail Forum has announced that the National Railway Museum (NRM) has become its STEM partner for 2025. The partnership will see the two organisations working together to inspire the next generation of railway talent.
Cat Appleby, Membership & Engagement Director at Rail Forum, said: “We are thrilled to have the NRM as our STEM partner for 2025. With their support and engagement, we can build on our young people STEM activities, from promoting and embedding Rail Forum’s freely accessible iRail schools materials to developing our wider skills focused initiatives – all of which complementing the Railway 200 vision of inspiring a new generation of young pioneering talent to choose a career in rail.
“To support the railway of today and achieve the railway of tomorrow, it is paramount that young people see rail as an attractive industry that can offer stimulating and fulfilling careers. Together, we can get more young people enthused around rail – the possibilities are endless.”
Julie White, Campaign Director for NRM and Locomotion, said: “We are delighted to partner with Rail Forum. As we progress with our transformation of the National Railway Museum in York, and Locomotion in Shildon, this partnership will strengthen our connections with the rail industry and support our work to inspire the next generation to take up exciting careers in rail, addressing the STEM skills gap and showcasing current innovations being developed in the sector.”railway
Jan 15, 2025
Rail Business Daily
Lner Asks Kids To Design The Train And Uniform Of The FutureYoung people have until the end of January to design the train or the rail uniform of the future, as part of Railway 200 celebrations. LNER and the National Railway Museum are running two special competitions with ‘money can’t buy’ prizes up for grabs.
Depending on their age, children can design a potential rail uniform for the future or share their ideas of what a train could look like in years to come.
Youngsters up to the age of 11 are being asked to share their ideas of what kinds of uniforms people that work on the railway could be wearing in the future, both for current roles and any new jobs that may be created as a result of innovations within the industry. The winner will see their design being made-to-measure for them by LNER’s uniform supplier, Dimensions, as well as receiving First Class LNER tickets for them and their family.
For those aged 12 to 17, there’s a chance to visualise a train of the future, including designing the interior and exterior, as well as considering the practicalities of building the train. The winner will enjoy an exclusive experience with LNER’s world-class Azuma trains, including a journey in a driver’s cab, and a visit to the driving simulator where LNER drivers-to-be will be put through their paces. The winner will also receive First Class LNER tickets for themselves and their family.
Those entering are encouraged to consider the many ways both the railway and the wider world will change over the next 200 years. Designs should showcase how they can meet the needs of LNER’s customers, people, places on the route, and the planet.
The competition is being held as part of the Railway 200 programme. 2025 marks the bicentenary of the first passenger journey on the Stockton and Darlington railway – widely regarded as the birth of the modern railway. Railway 200 is a year-long nationwide campaign to celebrate railway history and inspire a new generation of talent to choose a career in rail. Find out more here.
Linda Wain, Engineering Director at LNER, said: ”At LNER we are always looking towards the future, exploring how our trains can be more sustainable and how we can continually improve journeys for our customers. This competition is a great opportunity to see how young people see rail evolving. We’re excited to see some brilliant designs and interesting ideas and we may even discover some future rail engineers in the making!”
Andrew McLean, Assistant Director and Head Curator of the National Railway Museum, said: “The National Railway Museum is not only engaged in recording and showcasing our rich railway history, but we also aim to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers. We look forward to seeing the creative designs and ideas that this competition generates as we look forward to the next 200 years of the railways.”
The competition closes at the end of January, when a panel of judges from LNER and the National Railway Museum will choose the winners. Important information on how to enter and tips can be found here.railway
Jan 15, 2025Rail Business Daily
Encompass Engineering Expands Rail Expertise With Advanced Noise Monitoring EquipmentEncompass Engineering has announced its continued commitment to supporting the rail industry with the management and monitoring of noise, thanks to the addition of new, cutting-edge noise monitoring equipment. This investment marks a significant step forward in the company’s mission to deliver high-quality noise and vibration assessments that prioritise both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Noise monitoring plays an increasingly important role in rolling stock and infrastructure projects, particularly in the rail sector. With growing concerns around environmental impacts and community well-being, rail operators and infrastructure projects are under greater pressure to manage noise levels effectively. Encompass Engineering’s new equipment further strengthens their ability to meet these challenges head-on, ensuring compliance with regulations, minimising noise-related complaints and supporting the creation of sustainable rail solutions.
“At Encompass Engineering, we understand that noise management is a critical element of running a modern railway,” said Josh Gilsenan, Operations Director at Encompass Engineering. “The addition of our new noise monitoring equipment represents a major enhancement to our current service offering, allowing us to provide accurate, reliable, and actionable insights that benefit both our clients and the communities they serve”.
The recently acquired noise monitoring equipment will enable Encompass Engineering to:
● Precisely measure and analyse noise levels across a wide range of environments either remotely or in person
● Provide real time, accurate data during monitoring
● Identify and evaluate potential noise issues during planning, construction, and operational phases
● Recommend tailored noise mitigation strategies to minimise impact on local communities
This recent investment further cements Encompass Engineering’s position as a trusted and leading partner for clients in the rail sector. By integrating advanced technology with their railway engineering and operations background, the company is well-equipped to address the evolving demands of the industry by providing cost efficient solutions.
Noise monitoring is just one part of Encompass Engineering’s comprehensive service portfolio, which includes quality inspections, environmental assessments, and engineering consultancy. The team is dedicated to staying at the forefront of industry developments, ensuring that their clients receive the best possible support for their projects.
To learn more about how Encompass Engineering’s advanced noise monitoring solutions can support your next project, click here.railway
Jan 15, 2025Rail Business Daily
Uk’S Largest Train Operator Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary With The...Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the rail operator responsible for running Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express services, is starting the New Year by marking a milestone anniversary with the King’s Trust, formally the Prince’s Trust.
Colleagues and stakeholders gathered at the Houses of Parliament on Monday (13 January) to celebrate 10 years of the successful ‘Get into Railways’ scheme, which was developed to help young people break into the industry.
Over the past decade, the partnership has seen more than 200 candidates benefit from the scheme at GTR and there are currently over 40 alumni working across the business in roles ranging from HR and administration, to IT, engineering, customer service and train driving.
Through the ‘Get into Railways’ programme, candidates experience taster days and hands-on work placements, as well as CV-writing and interview masterclasses to prepare them for taking their first steps on the career ladder. Whilst jobs are not guaranteed as part of the scheme, many candidates have secured permanent job offers after impressing hiring managers.
The partnership remains as relevant today as it was 10 years ago, with many young people still facing barriers to employment.
Angie Doll, the CEO of Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “This year, we celebrate 200 years since the opening of the world’s first railway. This incredible milestone reminds us that our railways are more than tracks and trains; they are an ecosystem, built and sustained by people. At its core, the rail industry is about connections – connections between places, but more importantly, connections between people. At GTR, we are proud to invest in the people who make this ecosystem thrive.
“And as the industry is about to embark on significant change, we are committed to fostering talent and embracing fresh perspectives to help us meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. The ‘Get into Railways’ scheme is a shining example of how diversity of thought from different socio-economic backgrounds strengthens us all and bring fresh perspectives to the world of work.”
Jonathan Townsend, the UK Chief Executive of the King’s Trust, said: “The King’s Trust is delighted to celebrate our 10-year anniversary with GTR. Young people have faced many challenges over the last decade, most notably the impact of the pandemic on their education and employment, making GTR’s enduring commitment even more important. More than 200 young people have been supported to transform their lives, with many overcoming adversity to build valuable skills, gain vital experience and secure fulfilling careers in the rail sector. We are incredibly grateful to GTR for sharing our vision that every young person should have a chance to succeed and for putting their investment into the next generation. We look forward to continuing this work in the years ahead.”
The celebration event held yesterday saw ‘Get into Railways’ alumni come together with colleagues from across the GTR, in addition to meeting with charities, partners and MPs from all corners of its wide-ranging network.
The Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, took part in the event. He said of the partnership: “This is a brilliant initiative that not only provides young people with a valuable platform to launch and progress their careers in rail, but also highlights the crucial role it plays in shaping our communities.
“As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the railway this year, schemes like this serve as a reminder that rail offers far more than just getting people from A to B – it helps break down barriers and connects people to opportunities across the country.”
The anniversary event forms part of Railway 200 celebrations, which is a year-long campaign to mark 200 years of the modern railway. Starting this month, a wide variety of activities and events are being planned to celebrate rail’s remarkable past, its role today, and its importance to a sustainable future.railway
Jan 15, 2025