UK railway round-up

This week’s roundup of news from the UK railway industry.

• Latest service updates

Storm Eunice wreaks havoc with transport networks

People are being urged to postpone travel plans as Storm Eunice wreaks havoc with transport networks.

Train operators across Britain have urged passengers to avoid travelling on Friday as emergency 50mph speed limits are in place in many areas.

Railway work to affect CrossCountry services from next weekend

Rail passengers are being advised of changes to journeys over nine days this month while essential engineering work takes place at Water Orton in North Warwickshire and Duddeston in Birmingham.

Major alterations to track and lineside drainage will take place between 19 and 27 February as part of long-term improvements to the network, including preparations for HS2 – Britain’s new zero carbon, high-speed railway.

London Underground and bus fares to increase from next month

Fares on the London Underground and buses in the capital will rise from March 1, the mayor has announced.

Sadiq Khan said pay as you go fares will increase by 10p in zone one from £2.40 to £2.50.

National Railway Museum Class 37 to go back in traffic with loan move

A first-of-its-kind Class 37 locomotive is to go back into traffic at the Great Central Railway after a loan move has been agreed between the National Railway Museum (NRM) and the Heavy Tractor Group (HTG).

British Rail Type 3 D6700 joined the museum’s collection in July 2001 after it was donated by the English, Welsh & Scottish Railway following its withdrawal from service, but will now feature on the Great Central Railway, based at Loughborough, under the new agreement.

Vote to rename ‘purple loco’ for Queen’s jubilee

The Severn Valley Railway is asking the public to vote for a new name for its purple-liveried steam locomotive.

The heritage railway, based in Worcestershire and Shropshire, will rename 34027 Taw Valley to commemorate the 70^th anniversary of The Queen becoming monarch, as well as repaint the loco in purple livery.

Storm Dudley: Trains cancelled over 80mph wind warning

The Deputy First Minister has warned Scots the coming days will be “very challenging” as a result of Storm Dudley.

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning active from 4pm on Wednesday across central and south Scotland and the north of England, with gusts potentially hitting 90 miles per hour.

Latest Service Updates

Gatwick Express  – Gatwick Express services remain suspended until further notice.
Hull Trains – Hull Trains are currently running a reduced service, in line with passenger demand and current government advice.

Transport For London Status

If you need to travel this weekend, here are planned works that may affect your journey.

• RMT STRIKE ACTION: There is planned strike action every Friday and Saturday night between 2030 and 0429 the following morning until Sunday 19 June.
• TFL RAIL: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 February, no service between Liverpool Street and Shenfield. From 2215 Saturday 19 and until 1415 Sunday 20 February, a reduced frequency, four trains an hour, operates all day between Paddington and Hayes & Harlington. 
• LONDON TRAMS: From 0630 Saturday 12 until 2330 Sunday 20 February, no service between Wandle Park and East Croydon. Saturday 19 February, until 0730 and from 1830, and Sunday 20 February, until 0915 and after 1815, no service between Arena and Elmers End.  Sunday 20 February, from 2330, no service between Wimbledon and East Croydon.

Our transport network has never been cleaner. Imperial College London run monthly tests for coronavirus on the transport network and found no trace. You can read their recently published report.

Air continuously flows through all our trains, trams and buses. For example, on average, air in a Tube train changes every few minutes. Buses are fitted with air extraction and ventilation systems and we also leave windows open throughout the passenger area to keep a flow of fresh air.

Please continue to walk or cycle part of your journey where possible. If using public transport, travel during quieter times if you can. This will make social distancing easier. The quieter times to travel are:

• Between 08:15 and 16:00 and after 17:30 on weekdays
• Before noon and after 18:00 on weekends

Our TfL Go app can help you plan your journey and show the quieter times to travel. 

You must continue to wear a face-covering over your nose and mouth at all times when on the transport network, unless exempt. The overwhelming majority of people are complying with this requirement, and the British Transport Police, the Metropolitan Police and our own officers are on the network to check compliance. Fines of up to £6,400 exist for anyone who does not comply. 

Please also wash or sanitise your hands before and after travel.

London Underground Status

Due to the coronavirus, the following service changes will be in place until further notice. Please plan ahead and check before you travel.

• BAKERLOO LINE: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 February, no service between Queens Park and Harrow & Wealdstone. 
• NORTHERN LINE: From Saturday 15 January until mid May 2022, no service between Moorgate and Kennington due to major upgrade works. 

London Overground

• Sunday 20 February, until 0745, no London Overground service between Sydenham and West Croydon.
• Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 February, no service between Romford and Upminster.
• Saturday 19 (from 2145) and all day Sunday 20 February, no service between Willesden Junction and Richmond.
•  Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 February, no service between Euston and Watford Junction. 

Check before you travel and plan your journey ahead of time.