Improvement work begins for Ashford International platforms to increase international services

Network Rail has announced work to improve Ashford International to enable more international services to serve the station.

From Network Rail

Work has begun to prepare Ashford International’s high-speed platforms for new international trains, including e320 Eurostar trains, which will safeguard direct high-speed international services from Ashford.

New London Bridge railway station opens on time!

Network Rail has announced the completion of the redevelopment of London Bridge station.

From Network Rail

· Today marks full opening of London Bridge station to the public

· Faster journeys and more reliability for millions of passengers who use the network daily

Belfast Rapid Transit unveils new Glider vehicle and launch of new Abbey Wood Station building

This is a follow up to my previous article about the Belfast Rapid Transit project in Northern Ireland.

From Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland

The new Belfast Rapid Transit Glider vehicle has been unveiled today at the Busworld Europe exhibition in Belgium.

The new Glider service will come into operation in September 2018 and is set to transform public transport in Belfast. It will offer passengers a modern, efficient public transport service with shorter, more reliable journey times and high frequency services.

Rail franchise bidders announced for West Coast Partnership and South Eastern

A short news update: the Department for Transport has announced the bidders for the West Coast Partnership and South Eastern rail franchises.

From Department for Transport

I am pleased to inform the House that we have today (22 June 2017) published the shortlists of companies that will bid for the new West Coast Partnership (WCP) franchise which will launch the first services on HS2, and the next South Eastern franchise.

The House will be aware passenger numbers have more than doubled since privatisation of the railways 20 years ago and our country’s railways need to adapt and change to be able to cope with this and future demands. This government is committed to revolutionising our railways through innovation and investment to transform passengers’ experiences and ensure our railways work for everyone.

Bolina Road in Lewisham re-opened after a major transformation by Network Rail

Network Rail aren’t just replacing the railway infrastructure as part of the Thameslink Programme, they’ve also improved parts of the street surfacing.

Consultation for South Eastern rail franchise

The Department for Transport has launched a consultation for the South Eastern Rail franchise to improve services.

From Department for Transport

Passengers in the south-east are on track to get improved journeys, as the government seeks views on a new franchise.

Passengers in south east London, Kent, the Medway towns and East Sussex are on track to get improved journeys, as the Department for Transport (DfT) seeks views on a new franchise in the south-east.

The Bermondsey Dive Under comes into use for Thameslink

More news about Britain’s railway industry - the new Bermondsey Dive Under finally comes into use!

From Network Rail

Passengers have been thanked for their patience after a busy programme of improvement work took place across the south east over the last two weeks.

Timetable and maps for London National Rail services

Looking at TfL’s website - they don’t feature timetables for National Rail services, only timetables for their own services such as London Buses, London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, Tramlink, London Overground and TFL Rail.

TfL do have a map though which shows the railway services in London as they are part of the Oyster Pay-As-You-Go fare system. TFL also provide “National Rail journeys,” on their Journey Planner.

Oyster and Contactless Bank Cards for Dartford Railway Station

The good news for people commuting to and from Dartford Railway Station is that you will be able to use your Oyster or Contactless bank card in both directions.

TFL's Press release:

Thousands of rail passengers are set for cheaper fares and more convenient journeys from Sunday 6 September as acceptance of contactless payments and Oyster is extended to pay as you go travel on Southeastern services to and from Dartford station.