Philip Haigh retweeted
The Leeds Station Sustainable Travel Gateway has officially opened this morning, transforming the main entrance to Leeds City Station into a safer and more accessible space which will help meet ever-increasing demand for rail travel.
Read more: orlo.uk/wMNSu
Read more: orlo.uk/wMNSu
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RAIB chief “Private user worked crossings are a 19th century concept operating in a 21st century world of more dense, faster rail services, more rural housing and abundant home deliveries. Most road users are unfamiliar with this type of crossing and with how to use them safely."
We’ve published our investigation report gov.uk/government/new… into a collision between a train and a delivery van at Bax user worked level crossing, Kent, 13 July 2025.
#Teynam #Sittingbourne #Kent
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Philip Haigh retweeted
Tube drivers to take eight days of strike action over attacks on working conditions
TUBE UNION RMT has announced eight days of strike action by London Underground train drivers in a dispute over plans to impose new working arrangements that would undermine existing agreements itions.
The union will launch a series of rolling 24-hour strikes beginning on November 26, in opposition to management's plans to introduce a so-called voluntary four-day working week alongside a new Trains Modernisation Framework.
RMT has warned that the proposals would force drivers to surrender hard-won protections regardless of whether they choose to work four or five days a week.
Under the plans, drivers face increased time spent driving trains, longer duties, earlier starts and later finishes, short-notice changes to shifts and attacks on existing transfer rights and annual leave arrangements.
Those who refuse to accept the new framework could also face displacement from their current depots and be placed into a flexible pool of staff deployed according to management's requirements.
The union has also raised serious concerns that the proposals would pave the way for hundreds of job cuts, with initial rosters published for the Bakerloo line indicating significant reductions in staffing.
RMT has consistently demanded guarantees that no driver choosing to remain on existing agreements would suffer any detriment, but London Underground management has failed to provide those assurances.
The 24-hour strikes will begin at noon on the following dates:
•Thursday 26 November 2026
•Thursday 17 December 2026
•Saturday 19 December 2026
•Monday 4 January 2027
•Wednesday 6 January 2027
•Wednesday 17 February 2027
•Tuesday 23 February 2027
•Thursday 25 February 2027
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “London Underground is attempting to dress up a wholesale attack on drivers' working conditions as a voluntary four-day week.
“But there is nothing voluntary about a scheme that forces drivers to give up existing protections whether they work four days or five, and threatens those who refuse with displacement from their depots.
“Our members are being asked to spend more time driving trains, accept longer and more unpredictable shifts and surrender agreements that have been negotiated and defended over many years.
“This is not about improving work-life balance. It is about squeezing more work out of fewer drivers while giving management greater flexibility at the expense of our members.
“RMT is not opposed to a genuine four-day working week that benefits our members, but we will not accept it being used as a vehicle for job cuts, intensified working and the erosion of terms and conditions.
“London Underground must withdraw these damaging proposals and engage seriously with the union to reach a negotiated settlement.
“Our members are determined to defend their jobs, working conditions and the safety of the Underground, and they have our union's full support in taking strike action.”
TUBE UNION RMT has announced eight days of strike action by London Underground train drivers in a dispute over plans to impose new working arrangements that would undermine existing agreements itions.
The union will launch a series of rolling 24-hour strikes beginning on November 26, in opposition to management's plans to introduce a so-called voluntary four-day working week alongside a new Trains Modernisation Framework.
RMT has warned that the proposals would force drivers to surrender hard-won protections regardless of whether they choose to work four or five days a week.
Under the plans, drivers face increased time spent driving trains, longer duties, earlier starts and later finishes, short-notice changes to shifts and attacks on existing transfer rights and annual leave arrangements.
Those who refuse to accept the new framework could also face displacement from their current depots and be placed into a flexible pool of staff deployed according to management's requirements.
The union has also raised serious concerns that the proposals would pave the way for hundreds of job cuts, with initial rosters published for the Bakerloo line indicating significant reductions in staffing.
RMT has consistently demanded guarantees that no driver choosing to remain on existing agreements would suffer any detriment, but London Underground management has failed to provide those assurances.
The 24-hour strikes will begin at noon on the following dates:
•Thursday 26 November 2026
•Thursday 17 December 2026
•Saturday 19 December 2026
•Monday 4 January 2027
•Wednesday 6 January 2027
•Wednesday 17 February 2027
•Tuesday 23 February 2027
•Thursday 25 February 2027
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “London Underground is attempting to dress up a wholesale attack on drivers' working conditions as a voluntary four-day week.
“But there is nothing voluntary about a scheme that forces drivers to give up existing protections whether they work four days or five, and threatens those who refuse with displacement from their depots.
“Our members are being asked to spend more time driving trains, accept longer and more unpredictable shifts and surrender agreements that have been negotiated and defended over many years.
“This is not about improving work-life balance. It is about squeezing more work out of fewer drivers while giving management greater flexibility at the expense of our members.
“RMT is not opposed to a genuine four-day working week that benefits our members, but we will not accept it being used as a vehicle for job cuts, intensified working and the erosion of terms and conditions.
“London Underground must withdraw these damaging proposals and engage seriously with the union to reach a negotiated settlement.
“Our members are determined to defend their jobs, working conditions and the safety of the Underground, and they have our union's full support in taking strike action.”
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Philip Haigh retweeted
#OnThisDay 144 years ago the Bury & Tottington District Railway opened from Bury to Holcombe Brook. In 1913 this branch saw experimental overhead 3.5kV DC electrification by the LYR, this only lasted 5 years, replaced by 3rd rail 1918. Image / more info: buff.ly/1EUwgnw
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“What’s happening on East West Rail now is a good ad for GBR” DfT Operator boss tells RIA conference. What’s happening is no trains because of union dispute. He explains that earlier involvement of Chiltern might have helped situation with track and train working together. Maybe.
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Philip Haigh retweeted
#OnThisDay 50 years ago the last Eastern Region services to Moorgate via the 'Widened Lines' and Hotel and York Road Curves ran as trains were diverted down the Great Northern & City Line. In 1975 a Class 31 hauls empty stock through Farringdon: Jim Eades buff.ly/RNTL0Cq
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Gibb explains that subsidies should not be as hidden as they are. Rail should get credit for what it delivers for the subsidy it receives. More openness would let railway better explain why it’s receiving subsidy, he argues.
More from Chris Gibb - UK railway “subsidy balloon is getting bigger and bigger” and at some point “government will burst that balloon”. Points towards hard choices coming for GBR to increase revenue and cut costs.
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More from Chris Gibb - UK railway “subsidy balloon is getting bigger and bigger” and at some point “government will burst that balloon”. Points towards hard choices coming for GBR to increase revenue and cut costs.
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Chris Gibb tells RIA conference that the next few weeks will see HS2 rolling stock order details confirmed. This will “set in stone” West Coast services for next 50 years. But where’s the debate, the consultation? Sounds like DfT is simply imposing its view come what may.
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Meanwhile in South Wales there’s a whole lot of not much surrounding tram-trains. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…
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As statements of the obvious go…
Fatal Carmont crash 'could have been avoided if drain was built correctly'
eu1.hubs.ly/H0zDTdT0
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“Every train in the North of England is clapped out” transport minister Lord Hendy tells RIA conference. Replacing them will be a big test for GBR’s integrated railway. Expensive and needs a clear view on traction choices. Will batteries solve every problem?
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Philip Haigh retweeted
🚅🇫🇷 "Alstom shares tumble after new boss reveals cash crisis.
Martin Sion tells investors that operations at French train maker are 'challenging, to say the least' as he reveals it has burnt through €lbn in cash." 🆓⏬️
thetimes.com/article/f6b91a…
Martin Sion tells investors that operations at French train maker are 'challenging, to say the least' as he reveals it has burnt through €lbn in cash." 🆓⏬️
thetimes.com/article/f6b91a…
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Philip Haigh retweeted
🚉 Communities in the Standedge to Gledholt (Huddersfield) area can have a further say on the next phase of the Transpennine Route Upgrade from tomorrow (3 November).
We're inviting feedback on updated proposals, including station improvements at Marsden and Slaithwaite, railway and signalling upgrades, and changes to bridges and highways to support faster, more frequent and greener journeys across the North.
The consultation will run from 3 November to 2 December 2026, and local people can find out more and speak to the project team at two drop-in events:
📍 10 November, 3:30pm-6:30pm - Slaithwaite Community Centre
📍 11 November, 3:30pm-6:30pm - Marsden Mechanics
From tomorrow, full details of the updated proposals and information on how to provide feedback will be available at:
networkrail.co.uk/standedge-to-g…
We encourage everyone with an interest in the plans to take a look at the proposals and share their views.
We're inviting feedback on updated proposals, including station improvements at Marsden and Slaithwaite, railway and signalling upgrades, and changes to bridges and highways to support faster, more frequent and greener journeys across the North.
The consultation will run from 3 November to 2 December 2026, and local people can find out more and speak to the project team at two drop-in events:
📍 10 November, 3:30pm-6:30pm - Slaithwaite Community Centre
📍 11 November, 3:30pm-6:30pm - Marsden Mechanics
From tomorrow, full details of the updated proposals and information on how to provide feedback will be available at:
networkrail.co.uk/standedge-to-g…
We encourage everyone with an interest in the plans to take a look at the proposals and share their views.
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Trains are running again between York and Leeds via Church Fenton after Network Rail spent nine days installing a new road bridge at Church Fenton. It replaces one that the North Eastern Railway installed in 1901.
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Budget promises another £200m for Leeds station to deliver by 2030 “construction of a new central overbridge, 3 new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer platform 14”.
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DfT has launched a review of rail infrastructure costs under the chairmanship of Rachel Skinner (a past president of the civil engineers’ institution). Review will “identify the key drivers of cost in the sector and recommend tangible solutions for government and industry”.
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Philip Haigh retweeted
The latest issue is out now.
🛤️ Will Bradford get a through station?
🛤️ How Glasgow Central recovered
🛤️ Inside Bletchley’s new look depot
Plus: How GBR can tackle overcrowding and Top 10 rail ghost tales for Halloween.
You can subscribe railmagazine.com or buy a copy
🛤️ Will Bradford get a through station?
🛤️ How Glasgow Central recovered
🛤️ Inside Bletchley’s new look depot
Plus: How GBR can tackle overcrowding and Top 10 rail ghost tales for Halloween.
You can subscribe railmagazine.com or buy a copy
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