Latest news with #LordHendy
The Independent
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Minister hails ‘remarkable turnaround' of renationalised train operator
A train operator renationalised two years ago has performed a 'remarkable turnaround', the rail minister said. Lord Hendy described TransPennine Express (TPE) as 'the blueprint for Great British Railways (GBR)'. The Labour Government began renationalising all remaining franchised train operators in Britain on Sunday, by bringing South Western Railway under public control. The process is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027. TPE, which runs trains across northern England and into Scotland, was renationalised under the Conservative government in May 2023 because of poor performance. Its reliability was badly affected by drivers no longer volunteering to work paid overtime shifts. Britain's train services were privatised in the mid-1990s. Services now under public control are owned by DFTO (Department for Transport Operator) until GBR is established. DFTO said TPE has reduced cancellations by 75% and recorded a 42% growth in passenger journeys over the past two years. It added that the operator generated £1.4 billion in 'economic value' during the 2023/24 financial year. TPE launched an improvement plan in October 2023 which prioritised stabilising operations. Lord Hendy said: 'TransPennine Express's remarkable turnaround shows exactly why we're bringing our railways back into public ownership as part of our plan for change. 'These impressive results demonstrate what happens when we put passengers and communities first rather than private profit. 'This is the blueprint for Great British Railways: a reliable, accessible and value for money railway that serves the public and drives economic growth not only across the North but the whole country.' TPE managing director Chris Jackson said: 'Public ownership gave us the space and stability to reset. 'Our focus has been on people, our passengers, our colleagues and the communities we serve. 'Two years on, we're proud to be delivering a better, more reliable railway for the North.'
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
The £2.1bn new train service that will ‘transform' the UK with metro service and direct city routes
PLANS for a dynamic new passenger-focussed metro service have been unveiled. A London underground-inspired train service is set to unlock 'economic potential' and connect communities with the upcoming North Wales Metro. 2 Network North Wales is promising to deliver a better passenger experience Credit: Alamy Boasting frequent services, Network North Wales will see the train services on the North Wales mainline, the Chester to Wrexham Marches Line and a direct rail link between Wrexham and Liverpool. Ambitions include higher frequency services, reopening closed stations, the birth of new stations and new transport modes such as tram trains. The Welsh Government has committed more than £13m to make the bold transport changes. Cabinet Secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, explained: "We now have the best possible partnership in place to deliver Network North Wales. Read more on Travel "UK Government, local government, Transport for Wales and English local authorities are working with us to deliver this bold programme of work to better connect communities, with more rail and bus services and greater integration, new stations, new transport routes, new trains, new buses, new technology." He continued: "A network of public transport services that will include cross-border turn-up and go bus and rail services, extending the Northern Arc from Hull to Holyhead. 'With unprecedented partnership across governments, across borders and across the north, we have the opportunity to turn dreams into reality, to deliver on an enduring vision for what our a public transport network should look like. 'Most importantly, we have an opportunity to deliver the principal purpose of public transport – to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.' Most read in News Travel Rail Minister Lord Hendy added: "We are determined to build a modern and integrated transport network across the whole of the UK, delivering our Plan for Change and driving economic growth by better connecting people to homes, jobs, education and business opportunities. "Through close collaboration between our two governments, we're demonstrating how we can deliver a stronger, more connected rail network that truly meets passengers' needs and transforms everyday journeys across Wales. Huddersfield Station Closure: £70 Million Revamp Set to Transform Travel "Our collaborative approach will extend to these exciting proposals, which represent a significant opportunity to transform connectivity across the region and unlock new opportunities for communities." Secretary of state for Wales Jo Stevens said: "Network North Wales is an exciting plan to deliver a better passenger experience across the region. "Economic growth is the number one mission of the UK Government and improving transport is vital to achieve that ambition. "Working in partnership with the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales we will connect people to a range of well-paid jobs across North Wales, thousands of which will be created by our Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone and our Freeport in Anglesey." The Welsh Government said immediate changes are in place, with ambitious plans to begin over the next 12 months and heading into 2035. Sun Travel's favourite train journeys in the world Sun Travel's journalists have taken their fare share of train journeys on their travels and here they share their most memorable rail experiences. Davos to Geneva, Switzerland "After a ski holiday in Davos, I took the scenic train back to Geneva Airport. The snow-covered mountains and tiny alpine villages that we passed were so beautiful that it felt like a moving picture was playing beyond the glass." - Caroline McGuire Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen "Nothing quite beats the Shinkansen bullet train, one of the fastest in the world. It hardly feels like you're whizzing along at speed until you look outside and see the trees a green blur. Make sure to book seat D or E too - as you'll have the best view of Mount Fuji along the way." Kara Godfrey London to Paris by Eurostar "Those who have never travelled on the Eurostar may wonder what's so special about a seemingly ordinary train that takes you across the channel. You won't have to waste a moment and can tick off all the top attractions from the Louvre to the Champs-Élysées which are both less than five kilometres from the Gare du Nord." - Sophie Swietochowski Glasgow to Fort William by Scotrail "From mountain landscapes and serene lochs to the wistful moors, I spent my three-hour journey from Glasgow to Fort William gazing out the window. Sit on the left-hand side of the train for the best views overlooking Loch Lomond." - Hope Brotherton Beijing to Ulaanbatar "The Trans-Mongolian Express is truly a train journey like no other. It starts amid the chaos of central Beijing before the city's high-rises give way to crumbling ancient villages and eventually the vast vacant plains of Mongolia, via the Gobi desert. The deep orange sunset seen in the middle of the desert is among the best I've witnessed anywhere." - Ryan Gray 2 Plans are in place for a modern and integrated transport network
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
UK's largest train station that once had direct routes to Europe and now has a huge new Wetherspoons
The trains ran to Paris, Lille and Belgium ON TRACK UK's largest train station that once had direct routes to Europe and now has a huge new Wetherspoons ONE of the UK's major train stations once had direct trains to Paris - only for them to be scrapped. London Waterloo first opened in 1848, making it one of the oldest in the city as well. Advertisement 4 Waterloo Station opened back in 1848 Credit: PA:Press Association 4 The first train to Europe from the UK was from London Waterloo Station Credit: AFP or licensors However, it was in the 1990s that it launched the first trains to Europe from the UK. Platforms 20 and 21 were demolished to make way for a new Eurostar terminus, which opened in 1994. This connected passengers from London Waterloo to Paris as well as Lille and Brussels. Sadly, this was scrapped in 2007 following the introduction of the new high speed from London St Pancras. Advertisement This has since seen the launch of more destinations such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, although they are yet to return to Ashford International. Despite this, London Waterloo is undergoing a major renovation. Network Rail and the local Lambeth council has revealed the plans for the 177-year-old station, which will take a decade to complete. The improvements mean new entrances and improved access although the current 24 train platforms will remain. Advertisement The 100-year-old roof is also being repaired along with more places to eat and shop being added. The latest update includes the toilets which were recently upgraded. Reimagining Waterloo Station: London's Next Big Transformation Network Rail boss Lord Hendy told the Standard: 'As these things go, [the masterplan] is one of the best things I have ever seen. And this year, you can visit hidden parts of London Waterloo as part of Railway-200, a year-long celebration Advertisement Currently, the station is the third busiest in the UK with around 57million passengers a year. However it is the biggest station in the UK when it comes to floor space, as well as having the most platforms. 4 It is the largest train station when it comes to area Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd It is also home to the London Underground, after the Waterloo & City line in 1898. Advertisement This was followed by the Bakerloo line on 1906 followed by the Northern line on 1926, with the newest being the Jubilee line on 1999. Film fans will notice the train station from The Bourne Ultimatum or Sliding Doors, as well as The War of the Worlds. And for Wetherspoons fans, the pub recently opened inside the station. Here's everything you need to know about the new The Lion and Unicorn. Advertisement In the mean time, the UK's busiest train station us undergoing a multi-million pound makeover. And here's the historic train station bar that lets you have a free drink at 5:05pm every day.
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
UK's largest train station that once had direct routes to Europe and now has a huge new Wetherspoons
ONE of the UK's major train stations once had direct trains to Paris - only for them to be scrapped. London Waterloo first opened in 1848, making it one of the oldest in the city as well. Advertisement 4 Waterloo Station opened back in 1848 Credit: PA:Press Association 4 The first train to Europe from the UK was from London Waterloo Station Credit: AFP or licensors However, it was in the 1990s that it launched the first trains to Europe from the UK. Platforms 20 and 21 were demolished to make way for a new Eurostar terminus, which opened in 1994. This connected passengers from London Waterloo to Paris as well as Lille and Brussels. Sadly, this was scrapped in 2007 following the introduction of the new high speed from London St Pancras. Advertisement Read more on trains This has since seen the launch of more destinations such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, although they are yet to return to Ashford International. Despite this, London Waterloo is undergoing a major renovation. Network Rail and the local Lambeth council has revealed the plans for the 177-year-old station, which will take a decade to complete. The improvements mean new entrances and improved access although the current 24 train platforms will remain. Advertisement Most read in News Travel The 100-year-old roof is also being repaired along with more places to eat and shop being added. The latest update includes the toilets which were recently upgraded. Reimagining Waterloo Station: London's Next Big Transformation Network Rail boss Lord Hendy told the : 'As these things go, [the masterplan] is one of the best things I have ever seen. And this year, you can visit hidden parts of London Waterloo as part of Railway-200, a year-long celebration Advertisement Currently, the station is the third busiest in the UK with around 57million passengers a year. However it is the biggest station in the UK when it comes to floor space, as well as having the most platforms. 4 It is the largest train station when it comes to area Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd It is also home to the London Underground, after the Waterloo & City line in 1898. Advertisement This was followed by the Bakerloo line on 1906 followed by the Northern line on 1926, with the newest being the Jubilee line on 1999. Film fans will notice the train station from The Bourne Ultimatum or Sliding Doors, as well as The War of the Worlds. And for Wetherspoons fans, the pub recently opened inside the station. Here's everything you need to know about the Advertisement In the mean time, the And here's the 4 The train station is undergoing a major renovation Credit: Alamy
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
UK's largest train station that once had direct routes to Europe and now has a huge new Wetherspoons
ONE of the UK's major train stations once had direct trains to Paris - only for them to be scrapped. London Waterloo first opened in 1848, making it one of the oldest in the city as well. 4 4 However, it was in the 1990s that it launched the first trains to Europe from the UK. Platforms 20 and 21 were demolished to make way for a new Eurostar terminus, which opened in 1994. This connected passengers from London Waterloo to Paris as well as Lille and Brussels. Sadly, this was scrapped in 2007 following the introduction of the new high speed from London St Pancras. This has since seen the launch of more destinations such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam, although they are yet to return to Ashford International. Despite this, Network Rail and the local Lambeth council has revealed the plans for the 177-year-old station, which will take a decade to complete. The improvements mean new entrances and improved access although the current 24 train platforms will remain. The 100-year-old roof is also being repaired along with more places to eat and shop being added. The latest update includes the toilets which were recently upgraded. Reimagining Waterloo Station: London's Next Big Transformation Network Rail boss Lord Hendy told the Standard: 'As these things go, [the masterplan] is one of the best things I have ever seen. And this year, you can visit hidden parts of London Waterloo as part of Railway-200, a year-long celebration Currently, the station is the third busiest in the UK with around 57million passengers a year. However it is the biggest station in the UK when it comes to floor space, as well as having the most platforms. 4 It is also home to the London Underground, after the Waterloo & City line in 1898. This was followed by the Bakerloo line on 1906 followed by the Northern line on 1926, with the newest being the Jubilee line on 1999. Film fans will notice the train station from The Bourne Ultimatum or Sliding Doors, as well as The War of the Worlds. And for Wetherspoons fans, the pub recently opened inside the station. Here's everything you need to know about the new The Lion and Unicorn. In the mean time, the UK's busiest train station us undergoing a multi-million pound makeover. And here's the historic train station bar that lets you have a free drink at 5:05pm every day. 4
