Fragmentation and societal change have eroded the culture and commonality that bonded rail workers together, and it’s a shame How will TOCs like South Western be remembered? Last weekend, I watched the gripping Netflix documentary, Strike: An Uncivil War, about the 1984/5 miners’ strike. It was a fascinating watch, not least to see how different folk looked…
I have attempted to collate everything I’ve seen, learned, read or heard during my time in the transport sector into 10 thoughts The 25th anniversary of my starting to work in and around transport passed me by earlier this year. I joined the Central Rail Users Consultative Committee (not a snappy title, I know) as its Director General…
Engineering Director, Stagecoach West – Gloucester We have a unique opportunity to join Stagecoach West as our new Engineering Director, based in Gloucester and covering Gloucestershire, Bristol, Swindon, Oxfordshire and the famous Oxford Tube. We are offering great benefits for the right person, including: a competitive salary, company car, 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) company pension scheme, medical…
Real Railway Has Gentle Curves The above is an aerial view of a bit of the west coast main line (the thin bit on the above map) as it approaches Penrith and where it crosses the M6 (the broader bit). Ironically, the railway is more curved than the motorway. But when you zoom in, the railway looks almost straight! Even…
The Immingham Eastern Ro-Ro Terminal (IERRT), a £200+ million joint investment by Associated British Ports (ABP) and Stena Line in a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham, was featured at the Government’s showcase International Investment Summit. The project was included after the Secretary of State for Transport approved the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the IERRT development.…
UKWA’s ambitious programme of 8 Warehousing Roadshows across the UK, reflecting the 8 decades since its inception in 1944, culminated on 3 October in Yorkshire, and was hosted by sponsor A-SAFE at their industry-leading R&D facility, Fathom 3. The series opened in the South West with Howard Tenens’ Stroud facility and included Roadshows in the North West, Midlands, Wales, East…
One Network, One Line, 125 Years! Tram No 1 started its long life in Liepaja in September 1899. There are several postcards on-line showing the system in its early days. It is worthy of note that the early route was single track with (presumably?) passing places. The church below will appear in Friday’s blog. Note also that the city centre…
A female apprentice from zero-emission bus manufacturer Wrightbus shared her insights into the opportunities and barriers facing women in the industry at an event attended by the Local Transport Minister. Apprentice Hannah Currie spoke at the Women in Bus and Coach 2024 annual summit, which was aimed at encouraging and retaining women in the profession. The 29-year-old, who is training to become…
National Express is boosting capacity on services between Stansted Airport and London this weekend – amid rail disruption and increased demand for direct coach services. With no direct rail link between Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport, the UK’s largest scheduled coach operator’s advanced bookings for travel on Sunday 20th October have jumped by over 50% compared to the same date…
As the UK’s leading manufacturer of winter maintenance vehicles, family-run Econ Engineering is determined to stay out in front. From humble beginnings, Econ Engineering has grown to become the company we all rely on, ensuring Britain’s roads don’t come to a complete standstill during cold weather. The UK’s leading manufacturer of winter maintenance vehicles, Econ supplies 85% of the nation’s…