Latest from Modern Railways
Four decades in the Editor’s chair
To mark JAMES ABBOTT’S retirement as Editor of Modern Railways...
James Abbott
No need to touch door handles
RUSSIAN RAILWAYS (RZD) is currently testing 36 attachments for door handles...
Between the Lines
I’m most grateful to Chris Rowley, Network Rail’s Capacity Planning Director...
Chris Stokes
Notice to Proceed for HS2
On 15 April the Government gave approval for High Speed 2 Ltd to issue ‘Notice to Proceed’ to its main works contractors for Phase One, linking London with Birmingham.
Southeastern to take ‘707s’ from SWR
The fleet of 30×5-car Class 707 EMUs is to move from South Western Railway to Southeastern as part of the latter’s new contract, which began on 1 April.
West of England capacity boost in new GWR deal
The new direct award franchise for FirstGroup to continue operating the Great Western Railway franchise until at least March 2023 includes significant plans to improve capacity in the West of England.
COVID-19 and the rail industry
With passenger numbers down and reduced timetables, the UK's railways are feeling the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. But, as Modern Railways editor Phil Sherratt explains, they are also playing a key part in keeping the country functioning.
PHILIP SHERRATTUpcoming Events
Railway Innovation Awards
Event Date:
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
Public Transport in the North of England
Event Date:
Our established conference on Rail in the North of England expands this year into a two-day event, focusing on rail on the first day and buses on the second day.
Sponsored by Porterbrook and Resonate
Golden Spanner Awards
Event Date:
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
Rail in the Midlands
Event Date:
It is an exciting time for Rail in the Midlands, with new franchises in place for both the East and West Midlands and new rolling stock on order, combined with infrastructure developments taking place across the region.
Sponsored by Porterbrook and Resonate
Public Transport Scotland
Event Date:
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 Resonate, Porterbrook, Tracsis and Alexander Dennis
Golden Whistle Awards
Event Date:
The brainchild of Chartered Institution of Railway Operators luminary and now 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
Event Date:
Our Rail in Wales and the West conference returns to Cardiff in March 2024. 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