Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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22nd October 2023

Greater Anglia’s permanent tribute to commemorate black history​

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Greater Anglia colleagues celebrated the launch of the livery​

A special train livery has been unveiled by Greater Anglia in a move to commemorate black history.

The train operating company, which runs trains from London to Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Norfolk, is also holding a series of events for staff throughout October, marking Black History Month.

The intention is to focus on the importance of diversity and to be part of the national events which celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people.

The bespoke livery is on one of the company's Class 720 commuter trains and was unveiled at London Liverpool Street on Wednesday 18 October.

The Greater Anglia ‘hare' can also be spotted holding a black history flag.

The livery will be a permanent feature on the train and will help Greater Anglia, one of the first train companies to make such a move, to focus on breaking down barriers and to show its commitment to ethnic and cultural diversity both for colleagues and passengers.
 
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The Greater Anglia ‘Hare' waving the black history flag​

A number of events both celebrating and bringing about a better understanding of the impact of black heritage and culture have been held.

At the same time, the company is seeking to prompt discussion amongst its workforce.

All colleagues were invited to a webinar on ‘Racism in The Workplace', led by Greater Anglia's talent resourcing and development department.

The webinar focused on recognising different forms of racism, understanding racialised microaggression, seeking genuine representation rather than tokenistic gestures and encouraging people to speak up if racism is seen.

A reading of Angie Thomas's novel Thug: The Hate U Give is also scheduled.

This tells the story of 16-year-old Starr who is the lone witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend.

Greater Anglia's Ethnicity and Culture group is one of two colleague-led networking groups.

The other is Affinity, around sex and sexuality with both groups seeking to celebrate people's differences and bring them together in equal measure.
 
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L-R: Sophie Thrower and Christopher Lewis
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Katy Bucknell, Greater Anglia's HR director, said: “We are proud to be one of the first train companies to unveil a special, permanent livery celebrating black history – it is a visible celebration of our positive approach to diversity and inclusion within Greater Anglia and across the region that we serve.

“We have staff from all over the world at Greater Anglia and it is brilliant to see such a range of events taking place across Black History Month. They will show how a small change and a single word can have a big impact and allow us to all work together even more effectively, within not just different departments, but the wider company too.”

Christopher Lewis, vice-chair of the Ethnicity and Culture group and a revenue protection officer at Colchester station, added: “I am proud that Greater Anglia has launched this livery celebrating black history and I hope that it helps passengers and fellow colleagues have confidence in themselves.

“The Ethnicity and Culture group offers support and encouragement to staff – we want to encourage colleagues from all cultures and backgrounds to believe in their own abilities.”

Sophie Thrower, chair of the Ethnicity and Culture group and a member of station staff at Wivenhoe station, said: “We are excited to deliver such a variety of events for our colleagues across the network and see how we can all move forward and continue to educate ourselves further.

“I am proud that Greater Anglia has unveiled this special livery celebrating black history – this visual illustration reflects our diverse workforce, and it is superb that it will be seen across our region at speeds of up to 100mph!”
 
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22nd October 2023

New stops added at New Brunswick and Princeton Junction by Amtrak​

The Railroad Company has undertaken a substantial review of its timetables in order to better support passengers​

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New Jersey train​

Amtrak has introduced changes to its timetables following a major review, introducing new stops at New Brunswick and Princeton Junction during the day.

The changes will support connectivity for those in New Jersey with further travel options available, including the following stops and many more:
  • Boston
  • New York
  • Philadelphia
  • Baltimore
  • Washington, D.C
Those opting to travel by train over road travel can relax and enjoy a stress-free journey whilst ensuring that their carbon footprint is lower.

Amtrak services include a great deal of facilities, including:
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Cafe Bar
  • No Airplane Mode is required offering the freedom to use phones and electronic devices
  • Travel with small pets within the US
  • Large comfortable seating with good legroom and no middle seat.
 
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Amtrak train with Hell Gate Bridge between Long Island, and the Bronx in the background​

New Brunswick Station is conveniently located in the heart of downtown and a short walk from major employers and Rutgers University and provides:
  • Amtrak intercity passenger
  • Commuter rail
  • Local and regional buses
  • Campus shuttles
  • Over 12 bike racks to support cyclists
Princeton Junction Station is located at the junction between the Northeast Corridor and a short line operated by NJ TRANSIT, which supports visitors heading to the southern end of the Princeton University campus. The station also provides:
  • Local and regional buses
  • Plenty of car parking available nearby
Tickets can now be booked via the Amtrak website, app, ticket desks and kiosks and via telephone using 1-800 USA-RAIL.

Jina Sanone, Amtrak Vice President of the Northeast Corridor Service Line, said: “Due to increased demand for more service to New Brunswick and Princeton Junction, Amtrak is pleased to offer more trains to more people in this growing market,” said “Amtrak deeply values our New Jersey customers and communities, and we look forward to meeting the needs of our customers as part of the new era of rail.”

Bob Menendez, U.S. Senator, said: “Investing in and expanding mass transit has always been one of my core policy missions, which is why I have advocated to provide increased funding for Amtrak and regional train services. As a frequent rider of Amtrak, I know firsthand how this increase in service will benefit New Jersey residents throughout the state and along the Northeast corridor, but especially in the communities of Princeton and New Brunswick. I applaud Amtrak for its commitment to New Jersey and for recognizing the impact that reliable, affordable mass transit has on boosting our local economies and especially supporting health care and academia and the workforce that supports them.”

Cory Booker, U.S. Senator, said: “Amtrak's decision to add more service at New Brunswick and Princeton Junction will help to better meet the needs of New Jerseyans. Expanding service along the Northeast Corridor and investing in our transportation infrastructure provides reliable, safe service for commuters while creating jobs and boosting our regional economy.”

Jim Cahill, New Brunswick Mayor, said: “This is a huge benefit for both commuters and for the City. Access and mobility are key in the ever-changing and fast-moving worlds of commerce, healthcare, academia and industry. Amtrak realizes that importance and has taken steps to meet that growing demand here in New Brunswick.”

Bonnie Watson Coleman, Representative of New Jersey's District 12, said: “I'm so pleased that Amtrak is increasing service at the Princeton Junction station, offering residents in Central Jersey commuting options that are reliable, safe, and more environmentally sustainable is a huge boost to the region.”

Hemant Marathe, West Windsor Mayor, said: “I want to thank Amtrak for recognizing the importance of West Windsor's commuter train station. The Princeton Junction station has been valuable to West Windsor and surrounding communities. Expanding Amtrak service gives residents an easy option to travel between Boston and Washington DC.”
 
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22nd October 2023

A large-scale project between 5 French regions, SNCF and Alstom has seen the first of five battery-operated trains presented​

The presentation of the train took place at the Rencontres Nationales du Transport Public in Clermont Ferrand, on the 18th of October 2023​

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SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom present the first of five battery-powered trains​

Wednesday the 18th of October, 2023, saw French rail operator SNCF Voyageurs and global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, Alstom, present the first battery-powered train of an order of five, at the Rencontres Nationales du Transport Public in Clermont Ferrand.

The innovative large-scale project sees 5 French Regional Transport Authorities work with SNCF Voyageurs and Alstom, to develop battery-powered trains in a bid to lower CO2 emissions on non-electrified lines.

The authorities taking part are:
  • Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
  • Hauts-de-France
  • Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Occitanie Pyrénées-Méditerranée
  • Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Five dual-mode electric/diesel trains, some of which have been in service for around 20 years, are being modified seeing the diesel engines removed and replaced with batteries in order to make them 100% electric.

Once in operation, the trains which will support a reduction in CO2 emissions, bringing a more environmentally friendly approach that can run on both electrified and non-electrified lines for a further 20 years.

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region entrusted the first train set to Alstom at its Crespin site and saw static and dynamic development stages carried out up to 60km/h, testing the train's operation and battery traction mode and revealing that the battery charging and discharging system are working correctly.
 
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AGC dual-mode train type to become battery-operated as part of the project​

Further testing will now be carried out at Centre d'essais ferroviaires at Bar-le-Duc, with validation and certification tests at up to 160 km/h.

This period of testing will also see the vehicle's new traction modes put to the test prior to validation for an array of route simulation models across varying conditions, mirroring what it will face in real service.

The final stage of testing is set to take place in December 2023 and January 2024 will see the train out and about on the French National Railway Network in order to make sure that it is fully compatible with French infrastructure.

Following this, SNCF Voyageurs will complete the admission file ahead of submission to the Etablissement Public de Sécurité Ferroviaire in order to obtain the relevant authorisations for commercial service.

It is hoped that the new so-called “AGC Batteries” model of regional train could be in service as early as December 2024, across the regions taking part in an initial experimental period, after which, the technology is hoped to be rolled out on a broader scale.

The investment for this project is €40.2 million and includes the pre-production run of the five train sets.

The funding is made up of each of the five regions investing €5.7 million each, along with €5.5 million by Alstom and €6 million by SNCF.

Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud, President of Alstom France, said: “Decarbonising mobility is at the heart of Alstom's strategy, and the battery solution completes our range of relevant solutions, along with hydrogen and hybridisation, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from mobility.”

“In this respect, we are proud to be able to present the first battery-powered TER, developed in collaboration with SNCF Voyageurs and with the support of the five partner Regions”.
 
22nd October 2023

DB to sell Arriva Group to global infrastructure investment manager​

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Grand Central by Arriva

Deutsche Bahn AG (DB), the owner of Arriva Group, has agreed to sell all of the group including all of its operating businesses in ten European markets, to the leading global infrastructure investment manager I Squared.

The sale is expected to be completed sometime next year, subject to receiving approval from the DB Supervisory Board and the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The sale forms part of DB's Strong Rail Group strategy so that it can focus its resources on its core business and enable further growth in transport by rail in Germany.

Deutsche Bahn acquired Arriva in 2010 and has worked successfully to stabilise its business following the impact of Covid and to focus its sustainable growth strategy on relevant markets.

The company has previously sold businesses in its non-core markets, including Arriva Sweden and Portugal last year and Arriva Serbia, Denmark and Poland (Bus) earlier this year.
 
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DB I Squared sale​

I Squared is a global company with extensive experience in transport, logistics, energy, utilities, digital infrastructure, and decarbonisation technologies, and has a track record of investing significant capital to support companies in their transition to sustainable modern public utilities.

Among I Squared's investments the freight services specialist TIP Group,, the global energy solutions company Aggreko, and the renewables and energy transition companies Conrad Energy and Energia.

Dr Levin Holle, Member of the Management Board for Finance and Logistics and CFO of Deutsche Bahn A, said “We are happy that I Squared is willing to support Arriva in its future growth. Arriva has good prospects for sustainable growth as market liberalisation in Europe progresses.

“The strategic goal of Deutsche Bahn is to make record level investments in environmentally friendly rail in our core business, combined with the massive increase of investment of the German Federal Government into our German rail infrastructure.

“The purchase agreement signed today is therefore in the spirit of Strong Rail. At the same time, the sale to I Squared will give Arriva new options to support its growth potential, for example for the future electrification of European fleets. For us, the agreed sale is an important step to focus even more on additional growth in rail transport in Germany.”

Gautam Bhandari, Global CIO and Managing Partner of I Squared. said “Transport accounts for around one-fifth of global CO? emissions. Three-quarters of this is from road transport, and a greener public transport sector is critical to the shift to lower-carbon infrastructure

“Arriva's strategy for net-zero operations and the decarbonisation of its fleet aligns with our strategy to develop and scale assets with technologies that accelerate the energy transition, as well as providing cleaner air in cities and towns by investing in green public transport.

“We are excited to work with Arriva and we will invest to support its future growth as a major European bus and rail operator.”

Mike Cooper, CEO of Arriva Group, said: “We want to see a future where people choose to leave their car at home, a future with less traffic congestion and cleaner air. This transaction marks an exciting next stage for us, and will deliver significant benefits for our colleagues, our passengers and the many Passenger Transport Authorities we partner with across Europe, enabling us to play our role in delivering a better future.

“I Squared has an established track record of supporting companies which provide essential services, and of investing in the energy transition. We are delighted that they have committed to provide Arriva with long-term capital for investment in innovation across our services, our assets, and our people.

“We're confident that Arriva and I Squared together can play a vital role in delivering innovative and sustainable public transport offerings across Europe.”
 
22nd October 2023

GWR train services affected by flooding​

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Wootten Bassett flooding​

Storm Babet has caused a massive disruption to Great Western Railway train services between Bristol, South Wales, and London.

The storm caused flooding to railway lines in the Royal Wootton Bassett area, which caused the closure of all lines between Bristol Temple Meads and Swindon via Bath, and between South Wales/Bristol Parkway and Swindon.

In such circumstances, a diversionary route via Gloucester would be used, but the route between Gloucester and Swindon is also closed, which means that there is no alternative route beyond Swindon to Bristol Parkway and South Wales.
 
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GWR train at Kemble railway station, one of the stations affected by the disruption​

Although Network Rail teams are working to reopen the lines, disruption will likely continue for at least the rest of today, Friday, 20 October.

Normally, rail-replacement bus services would be provided to enable passengers to continue their journeys, but that option is not possible because of the severity of the flooding which has caused many roads to be closed.
 
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Bristol Temple Meads station, another station affected by the disruption​

Great Western Railway is advising customers to delay their journeys until tomorrow, and travel tickets today will still be valid for travel tomorrow, Saturday, 21 October.

Anyone who has purchased tickets but does not travel will be able to claim a full refund or change their ticket, while anyone who does travel and is delayed by 15 minutes or more may be entitled to ‘Delay Repay' compensation.

Train services are still operating between Bristol Temple Meads/Bath Spa and Reading/London Paddington, but they are being diverted via an alternative route and journey times will be considerably extended.

Great Western Railway has made arrangements for its rail tickets to be accepted Transport For Wales services between Newport South Wales and Gloucester and CrossCountry services between Bristol Temple Meads and Cheltenham Spa via Bristol Parkway.

Both of those routes are still open and services are still operating, although if conditions deteriorate those services may change.

An agreement has also been reached with several local bus companies to accept rail tickets, and further details can the arrangements can be found here.

For the latest information about the disruption and live train times, check details on the Great Western Railway TrainTracker.

Great Western Railway is continuously monitoring the situation with Network Rail and will keep its websites updated with the latest changes.
 
22nd October 2023

James Spooner naming ceremony at the Ffestiniog Railway​

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08:15​

We have arrived in Porthmadog, the rain is still falling

Today ( 20th October 2023) saw the formal naming ceremony for ‘James Spooner' the new Double Fairlie steam locomotive at the Ffestiniog Railway.
 
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