Latest Policy News
Keep up to date on the national and international policies impacting the rail industry.
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Avanti West Coast Granted 6-Month Contract Extension
The Department for Transport has extended Avanti West Coast's contract for 6 months following the operator's improved performance.
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Greater Manchester Secures Devolution Deal for Regional Rail Services
Greater Manchester has announced a new devolution deal with the UK government to grant it more influence over regional rail services.
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UK Government Announces Delayed Delivery of HS2
Over 40bn GBP will be invested in the UK's transport network over the next two years, with a focus on delivering the first phase of HS2.
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Scottish Government to Take Ownership of Caledonian Sleeper Services
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Germany: €1.1 Billion Scheme to Support Rail Operators Using Electric Traction
The European Commission has approved a 1.1 billion EUR German scheme to compensate operators for the recent spike in electricity prices.
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Transport Secretary Mark Harper Outlines Plans to Modernise Rail Industry in Bradshaw Address
Transport Secretary Mark Harper set out the government's key priorities for the railways in his George Bradshaw address on 7 February.
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TfL Launches Accessibility Trial for New Bridging Device
Transport for London (TfL) has launched a trial of a new bridging device, a ramp specifically designed for step-free stations.
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Consultation Launched over Revised West Midlands Rail Investment Strategy
The West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) has revised its strategy on how to grow and develop the region’s rail network over the next 30 years…
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DfT Places Avanti West Coast on Short-Term Contract
The DfT and FirstGroup have agreed on a short-term contract extension for Avanti West Coast, which will last until the end of March 2023.
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Amtrak Aims for Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2045
Amtrak has announced a pledge to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire network by 2045.
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Adina Vălean: The Commission Cannot Create a Second Golden Age for Rail All by Itself
The EU Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, addressed the rail industry, operators and policy makers at InnoTrans 2022.
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TfL Confirms Funding Agreement with UK Government
Transport for London (TfL) has reached a funding agreement with the UK government to support its transport network until March 2024.
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UK: Network Rails Begins Legal Consultation with Trade Unions Regarding Maintenance Reforms
Network Rail has formally begun the legal consultation process with the necessary trade unions regarding its planned maintenance reforms.
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UK: Record-Breaking Heatwave Leads to Launch of Resilience Taskforce
Off the back of Europe’s latest record-breaking heatwave, Network Rail has commissioned a new resilience taskforce.
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Network Rail’s Restrictive and Inflexible Working Practices Must Change
The UK rail industry lags behind that of aviation, roads and energy when it comes to maintenance of infrastructure and key assets.
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ORR Publishes Annual Health and Safety Report
The ORR, the safety regulator of Britain's railways, has published its annual health and safety report covering April 2021 to March 2022.
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TfL Launches Tender to Power London Underground with Renewable Energy
TfL has launched a Power Purchase Agreement tender as the first step for powering the London Underground with 100 percent renewable energy.
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EC Approves Italian Scheme to Compensate Rail Freight Companies Affected by Pandemic
The EC has approved an Italian scheme to compensate rail freight companies for financial damage suffered due to the pandemic.
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FRA Establishes Corridor ID Program to Enhance Intercity Passenger Rail Service
The FRA has established a new Corridor Identification and Development (ID) Program to transform the nation's passenger rail network.
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Network Rail Receives Million Pound Fine for Major Health and Safety Breach
An Office of Rail and Road (ORR) Investigation has led to Network Rail being fined 1.4 million GBP for a health and safety breach.
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UK Freight Rail Industry Joins Forces to Improve Safety and Reduce Delays
Network Rail joins with freight rail industry to tackle freight rail delays and safety risks with launch of new programme.
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Interrail Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Discounted Passes
To celebrate 50 years of Interrailing, 43 European railways have launched a joint campaign offering a 50% discount on Interrail tickets.
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UK: ORR to Strengthen Scrutiny of Network Rail
The ORR has launched its business plan for 2022/23, with details on how it plans to more closely scrutinise the work of Network Rail.
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Germany: Regulatory Agency Accuses DB of Abuse of Market Power
The Bundeskartellamt has accused Deutsche Bahn of an abuse of power that could hinder the growth of mobility platforms.