Railnews Magazine December 2015 Edizione posteriore

The publication of Sir Peter Hendy's report into the financing of Network Rail projects is the lead story in Railnews for December, and we have the details of his recommendations affecting key electrification projects.

Other main stories include a new franchise extension for London Midland, the decision to build HS2 as far as Crewe six years earlier than originally planned, a National Audit Office report which concludes that franchising poses 'emerging risks', the first trial of a Class 700 Thameslink unit on the Brighton main line and two openings -- of Rugby Rail Operating Centre and Birmingham New Street station, where the Queen unveiled a plaque.

Less happily, British Transport Police is on a state of high alert following the terrorist attacks in Paris, and an arson attack on signal cables in the West Midlands has prompted Network Rail and Virgin Trains to offer rewards for information totalling £30,000.

In the world of metro and light rail, both Midland Metro and Manchester Metrolink are opening short but important sections of new tram lines in early December, while Transport for London has finally secured full funding for the Croxley Link, which will extend the Metropolitan Line to Watford Junction.

We also review some books for Christmas, including a railway atlas which gained a doctorate for its creator, and reveal the secret of Network Rail's 'room of calm'.

Where is this to be found? The answer is in Railnews for December.