UK railway round-up

This week’s roundup of news from the UK railway industry.

• Latest service updates

Severn Valley Railway to receive more than £1 million from third round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund

The Severn Valley Railway is among nearly 140 heritage organisations to benefit from a share of the £16.5 million latest round of awards.

The leading heritage railway, which runs between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, has received a grant of £1,012,900 in the Government’s latest round of the Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover from the impact of the Covid pandemic.

Passengers reminded to plan ahead as majority of railway open for business as usual this Christmas

Passengers are being reminded that the vast majority of Britain’s rail network (over 95%) will be open for business as usual over Christmas and New Year, helping them visit friends and family over the festive period.

Network Rail is working closely with train operators to minimise disruption to passengers by carrying out a significant portion of the upgrade work overnight, on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, when passenger services traditionally don’t run.

Widespread train cancellations as pandemic causes staff shortages

Rail operators have blamed coronavirus-related staff shortages for widespread cancellations during the Christmas getaway.

A number of firms are running reduced timetables due to workers being off sick or isolating.

Hundreds of railway workers give up Christmas Day to carry out major track upgrade at Leeds station

More than 200 railway workers are giving up their Christmases to carry out major work to upgrade the track layout at Leeds station, bringing more reliable journeys for passengers.

Over 10 days (25 December – 3 January), Network Rail teams will lift, replace and completely remodel the track between platforms 4 and 6. This will improve the way trains move in and out of Leeds station, reducing disruption.

Heritage Railway Association Awards looking for 2022 nominations

The Heritage Railway Association Annual Awards event is looking for nominations to help celebrate the successes of restoration and preservation.

The Heritage Railway Association 2022 Annual Awards will shine a spotlight onto achievements from all parts of the sector. With 10 categories recognising everything from locomotive restoration to the contribution of young volunteers to successful communications projects, there are opportunities for all heritage railways and organisations, big or small.

High demand for travel during first Christmas getaway in two years

The first Christmas getaway for two years has led to high demand for leisure journeys by road, rail and air.

A survey of nearly 2,000 people in Britain for watchdog Transport Focus indicated that 44% plan to travel to visit friends or family over the festive period.

Latest Service Updates

Gatwick Express  – Gatwick Express services remain suspended until further notice.
Hull Trains – Hull Trains are currently running a reduced service, in line with passenger demand and current government advice.

Transport For London Status

If you need to travel this weekend, here are planned works that may affect your journey.

• CHRISTMAS DAY: No service on any London Underground line on Christmas Day.
• Boxing Day, 26 December, no service on the lines.

Our transport network has never been cleaner. Imperial College London run monthly tests for coronavirus on the transport network and found no trace. You can read their recently published report.

Air continuously flows through all our trains, trams and buses. For example, on average, air in a Tube train changes every few minutes. Buses are fitted with air extraction and ventilation systems and we also leave windows open throughout the passenger area to keep a flow of fresh air.

Please continue to walk or cycle part of your journey where possible. If using public transport, travel during quieter times if you can. This will make social distancing easier. The quieter times to travel are:

• Between 08:15 and 16:00 and after 17:30 on weekdays
• Before noon and after 18:00 on weekends

Our TfL Go app can help you plan your journey and show the quieter times to travel. 

You must continue to wear a face-covering over your nose and mouth at all times when on the transport network, unless exempt. The overwhelming majority of people are complying with this requirement, and the British Transport Police, the Metropolitan Police and our own officers are on the network to check compliance. Fines of up to £6,400 exist for anyone who does not comply. 

Please also wash or sanitise your hands before and after travel.

London Underground Status

Due to the coronavirus, the following service changes will be in place until further notice. Please plan ahead and check before you travel.

• CHRISTMAS DAY: No service on any London Underground line on Christmas Day.

London Overground

Due to Coronavirus, there is no Night Overground service until further notice.

There’s good service across London Overground.

Most London Overground routes are currently operating with revised timetables.

Check before you travel and plan your journey ahead of time.