In numbers:

£37m

to support the development of Northern Powerhouse Rail

£20m

to develop a strategic outline business case for East West Rail

£2.4bn

increased investment in the Transforming Cities Fund

£291m

to unlock 18,000 new homes in East London through improvements to the Docklands Light Railway

4.4 million

young people of between 26-30 will benefit from a new Railcard offering a one-third discount on trains

 In News

Within one of the ‘Key Budget Asks’, Railway Industry Association (RIA) has asked the government to increase funding for the R&D of rolling stock. This follows Office of Road and Rail’s decision to reduce Network Rail’s request for £440m in co-funding for R&D to £100m, all of which is to be focused on infrastructure.


Source: Global Railway Review

In an open letter to Chancellor Philip Hammond, Labour’s Tim Swift has called for vital investment in the Calder Valley train line, urging for its “long overdue” electrification to be urgently addressed. Indecision is hampering the district’s housing growth, he warns, adding to congestion and air pollution and leaving commuters faced with too poor a service.

Source: Halifax Courier

The “millennial railcard”, as it has been called, saves one-third on most train fares. It was promised by the chancellor in his budget in November 2017. The new discount scheme broadly extends existing 16-25 railcard privileges to people aged up to 30.


Source: The Independent

For the first time, the Wales and Borders funding plan has been developed by and for Network Rail Wales and Borders, and represents a 28 % increase on the figure for the last five-year funding period (2014-2019). The UK Government funding will be spent between 2019 and 2024 to maintain and renew the existing infrastructure, meaning fewer delays and improved reliability for the growing number of passengers.

Source: Global Railway Review

 In quotes:

Darren Caplan, chief executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said:


“On major projects, we welcome today’s commitment in the Budget for further funding to Northern Powerhouse Rail, East West Rail and the Docklands Light Railway, all of which are vital and will unlock economic growth, investment and jobs in different regions of the country. We urge the Government to move at similar speed on Crossrail 2, and to set out its response to the Independent Affordability Review as soon as possible, in order for the project to progress at pace.”

Jacqueline Starr, managing director of Rail Delivery Group, said:


“Britain’s rail companies are excited to announce that the National Rail 26-30 Railcard will be available across the country before the end of the year. It means more young people can explore Britain for less using our trains and benefit from saving a third on rail travel, making it cheaper to get out and enjoy the seaside or visit family and friends.”