Latest Policy News
Keep up to date on the national and international policies impacting the rail industry.
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European Commission Authorises Continuation of Tender for Lisbon Violet Line
Metropolitano de Lisboa has been authorised to move forward with awarding the contract for the construction and design of the Violet line.
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Germany: BMV Launches New ERTMS Coordination Office
German Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder has announced the launch of the ERTMS Coordination Office.
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ORR Sets Out Day-to-Day Responsibilities in 2026-27 Business Plan
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has published its Business Plan for 2026-27, setting out its key responsibilities for the next year.
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UK: East West Rail Announces Eight-Week Consultation for Final Railway Design
East West Rail has announced a final eight-week-long consultation, giving communities a chance to shape the final design of the new railway.
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Government Strategy to Expand Tap-and-Go Travel on Buses, Trains and Trams
A new national transport strategy aims to expand contactless "tap-and-go" travel across buses, trains and trams in England.
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UK & Scottish Governments Publish Agreement for Rail Functions Ahead of GBR
The UK & Scottish Governments have published a new agreement setting out plans for rail functions following the establishment of GBR.
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MoU Aims to Deliver Improvements Across Welsh Rail Network Under GBR
The UK government has published an agreement with Welsh ministers that aims to set out new ways of working under Great British Railways.
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UK: Government to Streamline Delay Repay Process
New Government plans aim to simplify the delay repay process, streamlining the overall claim system for delayed trains.
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Northern Trains Commits to Extensive Disability Training Following ORR Report
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has secured commitments from Northern Trains that all staff will receive disability awareness training.
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Rail Fares Frozen Across England in 30 Year First
Rail fares across England have been frozen by the Government in an effort to both aid with the cost of living and support economic growth.
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Deutsche Bahn to Improve Comfort on Long-Distance Trains
Deutsche Bahn and the German federal government have presented a joint programme to improve comfort on long-distance train services.
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London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway Come Under Public Ownership
From this Sunday, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway will join the growing list of operators owned by the public.
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Spanish Investigators Identify Broken Rail in Fatal Adamuz Derailment
CIAF has reported that a fracture in the running rail was likely present before a high-speed train derailed near Adamuz, Spain on 18 January…
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ATP Completes Federal Environmental Review for Austin Light Rail
Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) has completed the federal environmental review for Austin Light Rail Phase I.
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Rail Freight Group Appeals to Government to Amend Railways Bill
The Rail Freight Group has called on the Government to amend the Railways Bill 2025 in order to protect independent appeals for freight.
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UK Government Calls for Evidence on Railways Bill
The Government has called on those with relevant experience or a special interest in the Railways Bill to submit their views in writing.
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TfGM Launches Consultation on Future of Public Transport
TfGM is inviting people who live, work, travel, visit or study in Greater Manchester to help shape the future of its travel network.
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VIA Rail Canada Presents 3-Year Accessibility Plan
VIA Rail Canada has presented its 2026–2029 Accessibility Plan, which was recently submitted to the Government of Canada.
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TfGM Unveils 2050 Rail Network Transformation Plan
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has outlined a new framework that aims to transform its rail system by 2050.
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A Guide to Eating on Trains in Japan
JRPass has compiled practical advice for tourists to help them follow local customs when travelling by train in Japan.
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Rail Fares Across England to Freeze Until 2027
Rail fares in England are set to freeze for the first time in 30 years following an official announcement at this week's budget.
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UK Rail Industry to Expand Eligibility for Disabled Persons Railcard
Changes are on the way for the UK's Disabled Persons Railcard as eligibility is set to be expanded and applications will be simplified.
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New Plans to Accelerate Development of High-Speed Rail Across the EU
The European Commission has unveiled a new plan that aims to accelerate the development of high-speed rail across the European Union (EU).
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Office of Rail and Road Mandates Assessment of Accessible Travel Redress
The ORR has issued an update to its Accessible Travel Policy (ATP) Guidance that mandates all rail operators to assess redress claims.