This week’s roundup of news from the UK railway industry.
London Overground train crashes through buffers at busy commuter station
Two people were injured when a train crashed through buffers at Enfield Town station, north London. The incident involved a London Overground service during rush hour on Tuesday morning.
Images posted on social media show the train remained upright but came off the tracks and stopped just short of hitting a station building.
TfL memorial to honour transport workers who died from coronavirus
A memorial will be created to honour London transport workers who died from coronavirus. Transport for London (TfL) released designs of a space in the City of London featuring a cherry blossom tree, a plaque and benches to allow quiet reflection.
Ninety-eight transport workers have died from coronavirus, TfL said. This includes people working on TfL services such as bus and Tube staff, but does not include the capital’s taxi or private hire drivers.
Dean Forest Railway gearing up for 50th anniversary celebration
The original celebration was marked for 2020, but the pandemic hindered plans.
On October 23/24, short brake van rides will feature during the railway’s anniversary gala.
TfL launch Britain’s first ever Black History Tube map in collaboration with Black Cultural Archives
The launch of this map coincides with Black History Month and the 40th anniversary of Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, which celebrates the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK.
TfL has collaborated with Black Cultural Archives to launch the first Black History Tube map, in order to celebrate the rich and varied contribution Black people have made to London and the UK.
Government to restore services to the Dartmoor Line
For the first time in nearly 50 years, regular passenger services will run on the Dartmoor Line, connecting Okehampton to Exeter.
Services will launch on November 20, marking the first reopening under the Government’s Restoring Your Railway programme which is exploring ways to return old lines and stations to service across the country.
Electric freight trains mothballed due to soaring energy prices
Rail freight operators have stopped using electric trains and switched to diesel locomotives due to soaring energy prices.
The decision to mothball electric freight trains, which result in lower CO2 emissions than diesel models, was made less than three weeks before the Cop26 climate conference in Glasgow.
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.
- There are currently no major line disruptions reported on the network
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.
- No Night Tube or Night Overground service
- The Waterloo & City line service will operate peak hours only Monday to Friday, with no service at weekends or on public holidays
London Overground
Due to Coronavirus, there is no Night Overground service until further notice.
There’s good service across London Overground.
Check before you travel and plan your journey ahead of time.
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