Latest news with #railtransport
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Virgin signs ‘exclusive' train deal in bid to rival Eurostar
Virgin Trains has signed a deal with a train manufacturer for 12 high speed trains in a bid to challenge Eurostar's cross-Channel dominance. In a submission to the UK's Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Virgin has requested the ability to run services on HS1, the high speed line that runs from London's St Pancras International and through the Channel tunnel. The submission has revealed that Virgin has 'secured binding exclusivity' with French train manufacturer Alstom for a dozen Avelia Stream trains. The trains, currently used in Sweden and Italy, travel at speeds of 125 to 185mph, and offer configurations such as flexible boarding heights, winter weather protection and 'active tilting' for reduced journey time. An Alstom spokesperson told The Independent: "With over 2,900 high-speed Avelia trains delivered globally and a proven track record in Channel Tunnel operations, Alstom is thrilled to support Virgin's submission to the Office of Rail and Road. 'We eagerly await the ORR decision and look forward to finalising our contract with Virgin." Virgin wrote in its submission to the ORR that it wants to launch services in 2030 with trains running from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. There are further ambitions to expand across France, Germany and Switzerland. If approved, this would put Virgin in direct competition with Eurostar, which connects the UK to France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland with a high speed network. Mr Branson wrote in the submission that he hopes to 'end a 30 year monopoly' and bring competition to cross-Channel rail. 'Just as Virgin has successfully challenged incumbents in air, cruise and, of course, rail, we're ready to do it again,' he wrote. 'We will shake up the cross-Channel market with our signature approach, delivering a service that is innovative, bold and unmistakably Virgin.' Virgin Trains previously ran domestic services on the West Coast Main Line from 1997 until 2012. The franchise recently had a separate application rejected by the ORR for Virgin rail services to once again run on the route. The office rejected the application, citing concerns over delays and cancelled journeys. Bids from Lumo and Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway were also denied. The majority of existing services on Britain's busiest rail line, which runs between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, are operated by Avanti West Coast. This time around, Virgin is hoping for better news. A Virgin Group spokesperson told The Independent: 'Virgin's recent submission to the Office of Rail and Road demonstrates that Virgin is confident, committed and capable of delivering for consumers on the cross-Channel route. We look forward to the ORR decision in October.'
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Virgin signs ‘exclusive' train deal in bid to rival Eurostar
Virgin Trains has signed a deal with a train manufacturer for 12 high speed trains in a bid to challenge Eurostar's cross-Channel dominance. In a submission to the UK's Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Virgin has requested the ability to run services on HS1, the high speed line that runs from London's St Pancras International and through the Channel tunnel. The submission has revealed that Virgin has 'secured binding exclusivity' with French train manufacturer Alstom for a dozen Avelia Stream trains. The trains, currently used in Sweden and Italy, travel at speeds of 125 to 185mph, and offer configurations such as flexible boarding heights, winter weather protection and 'active tilting' for reduced journey time. An Alstom spokesperson told The Independent:"With over 2,900 high-speed Avelia trains delivered globally and a proven track record in Channel Tunnel operations, Alstom is thrilled to support Virgin's submission to the Office of Rail and Road. 'We eagerly await the ORR decision and look forward to finalising our contract with Virgin." Virgin wrote in its submission to the ORR that it wants to launch services in 2030 with trains running from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. There are further ambitions to expand across France, Germany and Switzerland. If approved, this would put Virgin in direct competition with Eurostar, which connects the UK to France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland with a high speed network. Mr Branson wrote in the submission that he hopes to 'end a 30 year monopoly' and bring competition to cross-Channel rail. 'Just as Virgin has successfully challenged incumbents in air, cruise and, of course, rail, we're ready to do it again,' he wrote. 'We will shake up the cross-Channel market with our signature approach, delivering a service that is innovative, bold and unmistakably Virgin.' Virgin Trains previously ran domestic services on the West Coast Main Line from 1997 until 2012. The franchise recently had a separate application rejected by the ORR for Virgin rail services to once again run on the route. The office rejected the application, citing concerns over delays and cancelled journeys. Bids from Lumo and Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway were also denied. The majority of existing services on Britain's busiest rail line, which runs between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, are operated by Avanti West Coast. This time around, Virgin is hoping for better news. A Virgin Group spokesperson told The Independent: 'Virgin's recent submission to the Office of Rail and Road demonstrates that Virgin is confident, committed and capable of delivering for consumers on the cross-Channel route. We look forward to the ORR decision in October.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
4 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia, UK Activate Rail Transport MoU
A delegation from Saudi Arabia's transport sector, led by the Transport General Authority (TGA), has visited the United Kingdom (UK) Department for Transport in London to activate the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between both countries in the field of rail transport. The Saudi delegation included representatives from the TGA's Deputyship for Railway Transport, the National Transport Safety Center (NTSC), and Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). The visit took place from August 12 to 14 as part of an official exchange program between the two countries. The visit focused on implementing the provisions of the MoU, exploring the UK's experience in regulating and developing its rail sector, and exchanging expertise in modern technologies, sustainability, and safety. Discussions also covered potential collaboration on future projects, ways to enhance integration across various modes of transport, and programs related to capacity-building, training, and technical exchanges. The program included bilateral meetings between the Saudi delegation and senior officials at the UK Department for Transport, field visits to transport sites and projects, and a visit to the University of Birmingham. Both sides also presented technical briefings outlining future directions and initiatives, and meetings were held with private-sector entities to showcase investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The visit underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to effectively shaping the future of rail transport through innovation, leveraging global expertise to build modern, efficient networks that support national development and keep pace with advancements in the rail industry.
The Independent
07-08-2025
- Business
- The Independent
New European sleeper train planned from Belgium to Slovakia
Trains travelling through the night at 100mph could connect Ostend in Belgium with the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, by next year. Leo Express, the Czech-based subsidiary of the Spanish national operator, Renfe, has filed plans for a sleeper train that would call at Brussels, Cologne, Hanover, Dresden, Prague and many more stations along the 750-mile route. Plans for the service, proposed to begin in December 2026, have been published by the Belgian Regulatory Body for Railway Transport. Leo Express says in its application: 'The planned connection involves new traffic that does not exist today.' The whole journey between the North Sea coast and the Danube is planned to take just over 19 hours, representing an average speed of 39mph. The overnight train would leave Ostend at 7.10pm, allowing UK travellers to connect at Brussels Midi (for an 8.19pm departure) after taking Eurostar from London St Pancras International. Arrival is scheduled for 2.18pm next day in Bratislava. The timing means the train can carry day passengers through the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The rolling stock would comprise refurbished carriages offering seats, couchettes (six bunks to a compartment) and proper beds. It will initially have capacity for 450 passengers Other appealing locations served by the train include Bruges and Ghent in Belgium, plus Aachen and Dresden in Germany. A total of 50 stops are planned. Overnight rail services went into steep decline as budget airlines expanded across Europe, but have had something of a resurgence. Austrian Railways (OBB) has reintroduced a wide range of routes, and in December 2023 the Berlin-Paris sleeper was restored. But rail experts have cast doubt on whether the Ostend-Bratislava project is feasible. Leo Express will need to gain permission and train paths from rail authorities in Belgium, France, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and compete against some extremely low air fares. In September, Ryanair flights are available from Brussels (South) to Bratislava for €18 (£16). The announcement has been covered by Thomas Wintle of the Rotterdam-based publication Rail Tech. He wrote: 'Night trains are popular in theory, but often expensive to run and logistically complex in practice. They face higher staffing and maintenance costs, tighter scheduling windows, and frequent cross-border disruptions. 'Recent construction works derailing sleepers travelling through Germany and France is a case in point. Despite strong public enthusiasm and EU policy backing, occupancy rates can also remain modest compared to daytime intercity services.' Nicky Gardner, co-author of Europe by Rail, said: 'Leo Express are talking about late 2026, but I just cannot see them getting paths through Germany at times they would like. Time will tell.' The new service would offer some competition to European Sleeper, a cooperative that is running night trains from Amsterdam via Brussels and Berlin to Prague. Leo Express later told Rail Tech: 'From our perspective, they do not represent concrete plans.' The company started up in 2010 as a Czech domestic train operator in competition with the state railway. Renfe, Spain's state rail operator, took a majority stake in 2021. Ostend was once the gateway to central and eastern Europe from the UK. Frequent ferries from English ports connected with international trains deep into the Continent. But all links ended when the 'Seacat' high-speed passenger ferry from Dover ceased two decades ago.
Zawya
18-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Transnet signs 10-year deal to transport UMK's manganese
Transnet has signed a 10-year deal with United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) for the transportation of manganese by rail from UMK's mine in the Northern Cape to ports for export markets. UMK is the first major miner to sign the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA) 3 agreement. Through the MECA programme, Transnet allocates rail and port capacity to manganese producers in South Africa for their export volumes. Transnet group chief executive Michelle Phillips said: 'We are encouraged by the vote of confidence expressed by UMK through their long-term commitment as part of the MECA programme.' Malcolm Curror, UMK CEO, said that reliable rail freight services remain a key contributor to the South African industry. 'By enabling the efficient movement of bulk commodities such as manganese, MECA not only positively adds to our national export capability but also to a greater competitive revitalisation of the country's logistics network.' He added that this is essential for sustaining economic growth and attracting further investment across all sectors. Curror further noted that the MECA agreement holds significant and broader relevance to the current national dialogue regarding the mining sector in South Africa. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
