Railnews Magazine March 2017 Edizione posteriore

HS2 has been given the legal go-ahead after the Bill authorising Phase 1 received Royal Assent. In Railnews for March, we report industry reaction and also speculate that there could be more changes ahead.

In other news, a committee of MPs has warned that further railway electrification schemes are at risk and should be looked at again. Its report says the GWML programme also remains uncertain.

The first round table meeting has taken place between rail industry leaders and government to discuss the implications of the UK’s imminent departure from the European Union, while a joint venture between FirstGroup and the Italian state railway operator Trenitalia is one of three bidders shortlisted by the DfT for the next East Midlands franchise.

Industrial disputes about driver-only operation are spreading to the north of England, following the rejection of a proposed deal on Southern by drivers belonging to ASLEF, and Storm Doris swept across the country on 23 February, delaying thousands of trains as Network Rail imposed speed restrictions.

The final axe may have fallen on Wolverton works in Buckinghamshire, after the government confirmed that demolition can go ahead. But a life-line deal could still save the site. And a new line taking trams on a second route through central Manchester has opened for business.

These are just some of the stories in Railnews for March