Latest from Modern Railways
First TfW FLIRTs arrive at Cardiff Canton
The first trains of TfW's 35-strong Class 231 fleet have arrived for testing at Cardiff Canton depot.
Government spends £16.9 billion on rail in 2020/21
The latest report from the ORR reveals the extent of Government funding of the railways during the Covid pandemic.
Northern leaders try to keep NPR schemes alive
Transport for the North is seeking an urgent meeting with the Government to discuss ways of delivering the full Northern Powerhouse Rail programme.
RSSB launches air quality monitoring programme
The RSSB will monitor air quality at more than 100 stations across England and Wales to identify areas where intervention may be needed.
Union Connectivity Review backs major rail upgrades
Upgrades to the West Coast, East Coast and North Wales Coast routes - plus railways in Northern Ireland are recommended by the Union Connectivity Review.
Modern Railways December 2021 issue: video podcast
Find out more about the December 2021 issue of Modern Railways
DfT outlines future role for operators
■ First PSC tendered next year – let in 2024
■ Includes responsibility for train procurement
GCRE promises to be testing gamechanger
Progress is being made with the Welsh Government’s plans to build a world class rail testing centre at the Nant Helen surface mine and Onllwyn coal washery at the head of the Dulais and Tawe valleys, with around £80 million pledged of the approximately £200 million needed to build the facility.
Half-term success for Staycation Express
Rail Charter Services reported good loadings on its tourist trains on the Settle and Carlisle line, which returned during the autumn half-term holiday at the end of October.
Upcoming Events
Golden Spanner Awards
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The Golden Spanners is an annual event at which all those interested in railway rolling stock meet to discuss best practice and celebrate excellence in train maintenance.
Sponsored by Houghton International, Porterbrook and Resonate
Public Transport Scotland
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Following on from a successful debut in 2023, our two-day event in Scotland returns with a focus on developments on both the rail and bus networks north of the border.
Sponsored by Lothian, Porterbrook, Tracsis, Mellor and Resonate
In association with Rail Forum
Rail in Oxfordshire and the Midlands
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This year we visit a new city for our Midlands conference, Oxford in the South of the region
Sponsored by Porterbrook and Resonate
In association with Oxfordshire County Council and the Rail Forum
Golden Whistle Awards
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The brainchild of Chartered Institution of Railway Operators luminary and former West Dorset MP Chris Loder, the Golden Whistles event was founded in 2010 to promote best practice and celebrate excellence in railway operations.
Sponsored by Tracsis, Porterbrook and Resonate
Rail in Wales and the West
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Our Rail in Wales and the West conference moves to Swindon for 2025. With the exciting plans in for improvements in Wales and the Borders and continuing developments on the Western there is much to reflect on and look forward to.
Sponsored by Porterbrook and Resonate
In association with Rail Forum
Railway Innovation Awards
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Founded in 1998, the Awards are the annual event at which everybody keen on seeing innovation in the railway sector meets up to discuss and celebrate the brightest ideas in the industry.
In partnership with the Railway Industry Association
Sponsored by Porterbrook and Resonate