UK railway round-up

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

• Latest service updates

‘Alarming’ rise in reports of sexual harassment on public transport

Reports of sexual harassment and sexual offences to British Transport Police (BTP) have risen by 63% compared with before the pandemic, new figures reveal.

Police have welcomed the increase as evidence that people understand such behaviour is unacceptable. However, the TSSA calls for greater action following the rise in reports.

London Night Overground services to return in December

Transport for London (TfL) has announced the Night Overground services will return in December in time for the festive season.

TfL originally suspended the services in March 2020 because of the pandemic.

RSSB: 40% of rail workers suffer from a mental health condition

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has published a survey which found over 40% of rail workers are suffering with a mental health condition.

In the first-ever rail industry mental health survey results, the RSSB calls for better targeting of support to those that need it. 

HRA President secures Government’s support for future of heritage steam

The Heritage Railway Association (HRA) President, Lord Faulkner has secured Government’s assurances that the Environment Bill will have no direct impact on the heritage steam sector.

Lord Faulkner was also assured that the Government do not intend to change its policy towards heritage steam. 

Three-quarters of London transport workers ‘face violence during Covid crisis’

Three out of four transport staff in London have been subjected to violence at work during the Covid crisis, new research suggests.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union said its study of workers in public-facing roles on London Underground and Transport for London rail networks showed they need more support.

DfT minister tours British low-carbon trains with Network Rail at COP26

Department for Transport (DfT) minister Trudy Harrison MP and Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines took a closer look at the best of British low-carbon train technology at COP26 in Glasgow.

Harrison, also MP for Copeland, was joined by Haines for a tour of a Vivarail’s next-generation battery train and the Porterbrook HydroFLEX, a hydrogen-ready hybrid capable of being powered by hydrogen, battery or the overhead electric wires.

TSSA challenges rail industry to protect jobs amid industrial action threat

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) is stepping up demands for no compulsory job losses in the railway industry amid fresh warnings of industrial action.

The union has written to the Rail Industry Recovery Group seeking an extension of the employers’ no compulsory redundancy policy, which is due to expire at the end of this year, until at least the end of 2022.

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.

• Northern Line: Minor delays between Camden Town and Kennington via Bank while we fix a faulty train. GOOD SERVICE on the rest of the line.
• Severe delays between Hayes & Harlington and Paddington due to a signal failure at Acton Main Line. Trains will not stop at Acton Main Line, West Ealing and Hanwell.
• Waterloo & City line: Service operates between 06.07 and 10.13 and between 15.23 and 19.11, Monday to Friday only.

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.

Most London Overground routes are currently operating with revised timetables.

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