The eyes of the world were truly on the city of Glasgow in November last year as the COP26 climate change conference arrived in the city. It brought with it political leaders, delegates and media representatives from countries across the world. At such a high profile event, if something goes wrong with the logistics – such as the public transport provision – the stakes are very much higher.
Preparation is therefore key – and the railway was well prepared. Indeed, apart from weather-related disruption on the weekend before the conference (something which could hardly be avoided), the rail provision for COP26 attracted no headlines at all – the ultimate mark of success.
The conference also offered an opportunity to highlight rail’s green credentials. Step forward the Climate Train, an initiative between Avanti West Coast, Eurostar and infrastructure providers, which offered an environmentally friendly journey all the way from Amsterdam for delegates travelling to COP26.
This combined effort highlighted the best of the railway. As a result, judges from the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators opted to present the Golden Whistles Special Award to the combined teams from Avanti, Eurostar and Scotland…
