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Southeastern services successfully handed over to government-owned SE Trains
Trains will continue to run as normal with SE Trains vowing to focus on improving the passenger experience on one of the UK’s busiest commuter networks.
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UK government establishes new public body to end fragmentation of UK railways
The UK government has announced the formation of a new public body, Great British Railways, which will bring the UK's railways under single, accountable national leadership.
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ScotRail to move to Scottish Government ownership in 2022
It has been announced that ScotRail services will be provided within Scottish Government ownership from the expiry of the current ScotRail franchise, currently expected in March 2022.
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Wales and Borders rail franchise moved into public ownership by Welsh government
In order to continue delivering its transformation plan, as well as protect jobs and services, the Wales and Borders franchise, as of 7 February 2021, is now operating under public ownership.
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DfT and FirstGroup reach agreement on future of SWR and Avanti
The agreement with DfT has outlined that FirstGroup will not be required pay a pre-existing franchise agreement termination sum for Avanti, but must pay a contribution of £33.2 million for SWR.
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Wales and Borders rail network to benefit from new financing and operational model
Transport for Wales, Keolis and Amey have reached an agreement which outlines a sustainable way forward for delivering their ambitious objectives for rail despite the effects of COVID-19.
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Wales and Borders rail franchise to be taken under public control
The move will help to secure the future of passenger services in Wales and the Borders area and protect jobs in the face of COVID-19.
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Logistics UK calls for support for rail freight amidst UK rail network reform
With the UK rail network set to end franchising, Logistics UK has called for rail freight operations to be safeguarded during the reform.
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UK government ends rail franchising in bid to connect fragmented network
As part of its efforts to connect the UK's fragmented rail network and support operators through COVID-19, the UK government has begun the process to end railway franchising.
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Southeastern confirms awarding of DfT Direct Award Contract
The new Direct Award Contract has been awarded by the Department for Transport to Govia for the continued operation of the Southeastern franchise.
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Hull Trains suspends all rail services during coronavirus outbreak
British open-access operator, Hull Trains, has temporarily suspended all train services following a significant drop in passenger numbers as a result of unprecedented circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
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UK Government takes over running of Northern franchise
The UK Government has officially taken over the running of services across the Northern network, marking a new start for the future of the franchise.
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Northern England leaders call for vital work to reduce rail congestion
Prior to Northern operating under new ownership, leaders across the North of England are calling for stronger commitments to rail infrastructure developments.
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Avanti West Coast: Focused on improving the passenger experience
In an interview with Global Railway Review, Richard Scott, Partnerships and Strategy Director for the West Coast Partnership, explains what Avanti West Coast will focus on, going forward, to deliver a better passenger experience.
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Northern franchise ownership to be taken over by UK government
Arriva's Northern franchise will be transferred to the Operator of Last Resort as of 1 March 2020, announces UK Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps.