Rail safety education added to England school curriculum

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Rail safety education added to England school curriculum

From September, all schoolchildren in England will receive life-saving rail safety education as the subject becomes a mandatory part of the national curriculum.

Network Rail and Southeastern, working together as the integrated South Eastern Railway, have introduced virtual reality headsets as part of innovating rail safety lessons for children. The headsets show different railway scenarios involving trespassing, level crossing misuse from a first person perspective, giving a stark reminder of what the consequences can be and that that it is never worth the risk. 

Across the railway network, rail safety teams visit schools to deliver tailored sessions that show children how to use the railway safely. The railway also runs regular sessions at the ‘Travel Safe Travel Smart’ centre in Margate, helping children understand how to stay safe around the railway. 

Using real tracks in a safe, controlled setting, coupled with virtual reality headsets, the centre teaches children about the dangers of trespassing. These include the live rail, which carries up to 750V of electricity and can kill instantly, and the weight of trains, which average 400 tonnes and often cannot stop in time for someone on the tracks.

Nicola Dooris, community safety manager, said:  “We bring children from year 5 upwards to Margate to teach them about the dangers of the railway when it is not used safely. The centre plays an important role in helping young people become safer travellers. 

“Our approach is both proactive, teaching children how to use the railway safely, and reactive, visiting schools after trespass incidents to deliver hard-hitting lessons that help prevent repeat offences.”

Rail Safety is now included in the Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) curriculum in England and designed to help pupils stay healthy, safe, and prepared for life and work.

Nationally, the railway has relaunched its Switched On website, offering targeted content for three key stage groups. For ages 3–6, ‘Switched On Travels with Suzi’ uses animations, quizzes, and new resources to introduce basic railway safety as Suzi and her mum travel to a nature reserve.

For ages 7–11, materials help children build judgement, spot hazards, and recognise risky behaviour around railways. New content includes resources based on the ‘Arlo’s Adventures’ book series, poster activities, and card games focused on stations, tracks and level crossings.

For ages 12–16, new resources include videos with science creator Big Manny explaining railway dangers and the consequences of unsafe choices. The programme also encourages discussion on peer influence, decision-making, and social media trends involving rail settings.

Image credit: Network Rail

First new state-of-the-art DLR train returns to service following enhancements and testing

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First new state-of-the-art DLR train returns to service following enhancements and testing

The first of the new DLR trains has returned to customer service following the completion of modifications and a comprehensive programme of testing and assurance.

This is the first of 54 trains which will be gradually introduced to the network, with their performance closely monitored. These state-of-the-art trains will include spacious walk-through carriages, live travel information, air conditioning, enhanced accessibility features including three multi-use areas and three dedicated wheelchair spaces, and mobile charging points.

The walk-through design increases train capacity by 10 per cent, which will also help support further growth in London, particularly in areas such as Stratford, Woolwich Arsenal and the Isle of Dogs. The new fleet will ultimately replace the DLR’s oldest trains, some of which are more than 30 years old.

The new trains were withdrawn from service in November 2025 after an issue affecting train performance in low adhesion conditions was identified on one train. Safety is always TfL’s top priority, and all trains were removed from service as a precaution while TfL and manufacturer CAF investigated the issue and developed a solution.

A number of enhancements have now been made to improve train performance in low adhesion conditions, following extensive testing and assurance work. These include changes to the trains’ braking systems, the installation of equipment to improve grip between the wheels and the track, and additional measures to reduce the impact of low adhesion conditions in key locations across the network.

Following these modifications and a comprehensive programme of testing in a range of operating conditions, the first train has now returned to customer service.  The phased reintroduction of the fleet will begin on the Stratford International to Woolwich Arsenal route. The number of trains in service will increase gradually through the carefully controlled introduction of additional trains.

TfL is currently working with CAF and its suppliers to finalise the full rollout plan for the new trains, with further details to be confirmed in due course.

Stuart Harvey, TfL’s chief capital officer, said: “We’re pleased that the first of our new DLR trains has returned to customer service following the completion of a thorough programme of modifications, testing and assurance.

“Safety is always our top priority, and we took the decision to remove the trains from service as a precaution while we worked with CAF to investigate the issue and implement a solution.

“I apologise for the delay in reintroducing the trains but am pleased this marks an important milestone in delivering a modern new fleet for the DLR. As we begin the phased reintroduction of the trains, customers will start to benefit from more spacious and accessible journeys, while we continue to monitor performance and introduce further trains into service.”

The DLR fleet replacement programme will see 54 new trains introduced across the network, supporting growth in east and south-east London and helping meet increasing customer demand.

Image credit: TfL

South Western Railway becomes White Ribbon accredited for tackling violence against women and girls

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South Western Railway becomes White Ribbon accredited for tackling violence against women and girls

South Western Railway (SWR) has become White Ribbon accredited for its action to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG). 

As part of the accreditation programme, SWR and White Ribbon UK will develop and deliver a three-year action plan to prevent and combat gender-based abuse on trains, at stations and elsewhere on the railway.

By becoming White Ribbon accredited, the train operator joined its integrated infrastructure counterpart Network Rail Wessex (NR Wessex), which is already accredited as part of Network Rail.  

Since 2022, SWR has supported the White Ribbon UK campaign to end violence against women and girls, with the White Ribbon logo displayed on SWR Desiro trains to spread the message around the South of England.  

For White Ribbon Day (25 November) last year, SWR and NR Wessex joined other publicly owned railways in the ‘Race the Dark’ event. Colleagues joined a service at stations between Weymouth and London Waterloo to raise awareness of gender-based abuse.

Angela Prescott, Health, Safety, Security and Environment Director of South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex, said: 

“While we have supported White Ribbon UK for the past four years, it is an important recognition of our commitment to ending violence against women and girls to become White Ribbon accredited.

“We are determined to work with the wider industry and our partners to prevent and combat gender-based abuse and challenge unacceptable behaviour wherever it is found on our network.

“We encourage everyone to join us in supporting the White Ribbon campaign. By tackling this urgent issue together, we can create a safer railway and society for all.” 

Lynne Elliot, Chief Executive of White Ribbon UK, said:

“We’re really pleased to see South Western Railway demonstrating its commitment to preventing violence against women and girls through its White Ribbon accreditation.

“Accreditation is about creating lasting change across an organisation, from the policies, culture and support provided to employees, to the role it can play in challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours more widely. It’s encouraging to see South Western Railway making that commitment both for its colleagues and for the millions of people who use its network.

“Everyone has a role to play in challenging the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence against women and girls, and we look forward to working with South Western Railway as it delivers its three-year action plan.” 

As an integrated business, SWR and NR Wessex have adopted the industry’s wider VAWG strategy, a joint plan by the railway and British Transport Police (BTP) to reduce incidents affecting customers and colleagues across the national network.

This includes improving reporting and victim support and creating a culture where unacceptable behaviour is consistently challenged.

The strategy builds on progress SWR has made by achieving top marks in BTP’s Safeguarding on Rail Scheme accreditation for the past three years, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to keeping customers and colleagues safe.

Initiatives to enhance the safety of women and girls include providing safe spaces for anyone who is feeling vulnerable to seek support at stations like London Waterloo and Richmond and the appointment and training of colleague safeguarding champions.

Under public ownership, SWR and NR Wessex will be the first integrated business to apply for the new Safer Railway Scheme accreditation, which is succeeding the Safeguarding on Rail Scheme.

Image credit: SWR

Medical Advisory Panel launched to support train driver medical standards

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Medical Advisory Panel launched to support train driver medical standards

The new Medical Advisory Panel will help ensure that the medical advice for train drivers continues to reflect the latest developments in healthcare and clinical practice. This could help the railway move beyond some traditional medical triggers, such as age-based assessments, towards a more personalised understanding of individual health risk.

The railway relies on highly skilled train drivers to safely move millions of passengers and tonnes of freight every year. Advances in medicine, treatment and healthcare technology are creating new opportunities to help people working in this safety-critical role. To help the railway benefit from these developments, the industry has launched a new Train Driving Medical Advisory Panel.

The panel will not replace existing medical assessments. Instead, it will provide expert advice that informs those processes, improving consistency and helping ensure they continue to be underpinned by the best available medical knowledge.

Established by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the panel brings together train operators, railway medical practitioners, ASLEF representatives, and specialists in occupational health and medicine.

Panel workstreams will include:

  • Reviewing emerging medical evidence relevant to safety-critical work.
  • Considering how developments in treatments, medication, or healthcare technologies could inform future guidance.
  • Providing expert advice on emerging or complex medical topics relevant to train driving.
  • Identifying topics where additional research would help strengthen the evidence base.
  • Sharing knowledge and good practice to ensure consistency across train operators.

RSSB CEO Mark Phillips, said: ‘Train drivers carry the safety of millions. The medical standards behind them should reflect the best of modern health care, not the habits of the past. This panel exists to keep them current, consistent and fair.’

Richard Hines, ORR’s HM Chief Inspector of Railways, commented: ‘As the regulator responsible for issuing train driving licences, we need to be confident that drivers continue to meet the medical fitness requirements needed for this safety-critical role. This new panel will give the doctors we recognise to carry out those assessments a valuable forum to share experience, consider complex and emerging medical issues and help ensure medical guidance remains consistent, current and informed by the latest clinical evidence.’

Image credit: RSSB

Former NR route director joins AARC Professional Services

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Former NR route director joins AARC Professional Services

One of the UK rail industry’s most respected railwaymen Phil James is taking his expertise to AARC Professional Services as the latest addition to the rail consultancy.

A Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Rail Operators and the Railway Engineering Institution (formerly PWI), the former route director for Network Rail North West brings almost 40 years experience with him to AARC, having started his career as a train recorder in his home town of Llandudno.

While the opportunity of early retirement from Network Rail presented itself earlier this year, rather than hang up his boots completely, Phil took the decision to join AARC Professional Services – a rail consultancy led by fellow operator Steve Derrick and comprising a team of lifelong rail professionals, all with the common aim of delivering expert support and advisory services to the rail industry.

Talking about his new role as Principal Consultant with AARC, Phil said: “I have a genuine passion to see the railway succeed, particularly as we move towards the introduction of Great British Railways and I was keen to find a way where I could still make a positive contribution. AARC Professional Services ticks all of those boxes. A collective of rail professionals with a shared desire to give something back, I’m delighted to now be a part of that, particularly when the industry risks losing hard earned knowledge as experienced people step away.”

Welcoming Phil’s arrival, Managing Director Steve Derrick said: “It’s a real pleasure to welcome someone of Phil’s experience to the AARC Professional Services family. Like all of us here, Phil has a genuine passion for the industry and again, like all of our associates, is keen to give something back. We very much look forward to working with Phil on the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”

Image credit: AARC

ORR authorises new Balgray station ahead of opening

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ORR authorises new Balgray station ahead of opening

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the rail regulator, has authorised the new Balgray station in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, clearing the way for it to open to passengers on Sunday 27 September.

The new station is on the Neilston line between Neilston and Patterton and will serve the community around Barrhead. It will improve access to work, education and leisure, as well as providing better public transport links to Dams to Darnley Country Park.

ORR’s authorisation covers the station’s two new 125-metre platforms, a footbridge and lifts providing step-free access between platforms, waiting shelters, passenger station systems, and an 80-space car park with 16 electric vehicle charging points.

The regulator’s authorisation is a key milestone in getting new, upgraded or renewed infrastructure ready to open. It also confirms that standards on areas like health and safety, accessibility, environmental protection, reliability and availability have been met.

ORR has worked closely with Network Rail and the wider project team through the authorisation process, ensuring that important checks and surveys were carried out.

Steve Fletcher, deputy director, engineering and asset management, said: “This is an important step in getting Balgray station ready to welcome passengers and improving access to rail for communities in and around Barrhead.

“We’re pleased to have played our part in getting the station ready to open. Our team worked closely with Network Rail to support them through the authorisation process, just as we do for new trains and infrastructure across the country.”

Image credit: ORR

EMR extends Digital Pay As You Go trial

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EMR extends Digital Pay As You Go trial

East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, is extending its pioneering Digital Pay As You Go trial for a further 12 months after more than 27,000 journeys were completed through the scheme.

The trial, which operates between Leicester, Derby and Nottingham, uses GPS-based technology within the EMR app to automatically track customers’ journeys and calculate the correct fare for their travel.

Unlike traditional rail ticketing, customers taking part in the trial do not need to select and purchase a ticket before travelling. Instead, the technology tracks their journey through the EMR app and automatically calculates the appropriate fare.

Since launching, 1,492 customers have been part of the trial, with 27,009 Pay As You Go journeys taking place.

The Digital Pay As You Go app has also received a customer satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5, highlighting the positive response to the simpler way of paying for rail travel.

The trial forms part of a wider industry programme, supported by the Department for Transport, exploring smarter and more flexible ticketing options for rail customers.

Neil Grabham, interim managing director at East Midlands Railway, said: “Reaching more than 27,000 journeys is a fantastic milestone and, alongside a customer satisfaction score of 4.4 out of 5, shows that customers are responding positively to a simpler and more flexible way of paying for rail travel.

“We’re delighted to be extending the trial for a further 12 months, giving even more customers the opportunity to experience Digital Pay As You Go and with no limit on the number of people taking part we want as many people as possible to try out this new way of buying tickets with us.

“The technology is designed to take away some of the complexity of rail ticketing. Customers can travel without having to worry about choosing the right ticket before they travel, with the system automatically working out the fare for their journey.

“Every journey made as part of the trial helps us understand how digital ticketing can improve the customer experience and shape the future of rail travel. We would encourage anyone who regularly travels between Leicester, Derby and Nottingham to sign up and take part.”

Image credit: EMR

Emergency bridge work to close West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Watford

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Emergency bridge work to close West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Watford

Passengers are being urged to avoid travel if they can during major railway disruption on Sunday 20 September until 4pm when Network Rail removes Oxhey Grange footbridge near Watford in an emergency operation to keep the railway safe.

The bridge, which crosses the West Coast Main Line south of Watford Junction, was closed on 26 July after routine inspections revealed it had deteriorated more quickly than expected and required urgent intervention. Engineers have decided it must now be removed as soon as possible to protect passengers, railway workers and the local community.

To complete the work safely, Network Rail will close all four West Coast Main Line tracks and the adjacent London Overground Lioness line beneath the bridge from midnight on Saturday 19 September until 4pm on Sunday 20 September. The bridge will be lifted out in a single operation using a specialist 100-metre-tall heavy-lift crane capable of lifting 1,200 tonnes. This approach significantly reduces the amount of time the railway needs to be closed compared with alternative removal methods.

The closure will affect journeys between London Euston and Watford Junction until 4pm, with amended services operating across the West Coast Main Line.

Passengers travelling between London, the West Midlands, North West England and Scotland are being advised to avoid travel if they can. Those who need to make journeys should check before travelling and allow extra time. Updated timetables for Sunday 20 September will be available in journey planners from Monday 7 September.

During the closure:

  • Avanti West Coast services to and from Scotland and North West England will start and terminate at Milton Keynes Central, with additional services starting and terminating at Rugby.
  • London Northwestern Railway services will operate between Milton Keynes Central and destinations to the north, with an hourly shuttle service running between Milton Keynes Central and Watford Junction.
  • London Overground Lioness line services will be limited to two trains per hour between Euston and Willesden Junction, while London Underground Bakerloo line services will continue to operate normally.
  • Passengers travelling between England and Scotland will still be able to travel using alternative rail and replacement bus arrangements, although journey times will be longer than usual.

Gary Walsh, director for Network Rail’s West Coast South route said: “Following a routine safety inspection, Network Rail closed the footbridge at Oxhey Grange after identifying significant deterioration of the structure. The safety of residents, bridge users, railway colleagues and passengers remains our top priority, and further assessments have shown the bridge now needs to be removed as soon as possible.

“We know this work will disrupt journeys on Sunday 20 September and we’re sorry for the inconvenience. By using a specialist heavy-lift crane, we’re able to remove the bridge in a single operation and reopen the railway as quickly as possible. Passengers are advised to avoid travel until 4pm and allow extra time for their journeys.

“At the same time as progressing plans to safely remove the existing bridge, we are continuing to develop proposals for its replacement and will engage with the local community as this work progresses.”

Preparatory work is already under way at the site, including structural monitoring, site surveys and construction of a crane platform. Temporary speed restrictions are also in place beneath the bridge as a precaution while removal plans are completed.

Network Rail is continuing to develop plans for a replacement crossing and will engage with local residents and stakeholders as the project progresses.

Image credit: Network Rail

Government review calls for ORR to expand its role

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Government review calls for ORR to expand its role

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) should evolve from a respected regulator into a broader independent strategic adviser to the Secretary of State for Transport, according to an independent review published by the government.

The review says ORR’s independence, economic expertise, and safety capabilities put it in a strong position to provide objective advice and assurance as the Government pursues rail reform and seeks a more integrated, resilient, and efficient transport system.

It recommends that ORR develop a stronger ‘whole-of-system’ perspective, bringing together expertise across its rail, roads, and safety functions. Its impartial position could also allow it to advise the Secretary of State on strategic trade-offs affecting rail and road infrastructure, including the interests of national and mayoral authorities.

The report highlights ORR’s existing contribution, including its role in helping Great Britain maintain one of Europe’s safest railways and its economic work supporting investor confidence.

However, the review says ORR will need further investment in skills, capabilities, and organisational culture to take on its expanded responsibilities.

It also warns that greater clarity is needed over ORR’s role as the rail industry is reformed. Great British Railways (GBR) is expected to become the sector’s single ‘directing mind’, making integrated decisions across the railway, while ORR would provide independent advice and assurance to the Secretary of State and enforce GBR’s licence.

The review, commissioned as part of the Department for Business and Trade’s programme of regulator assessments, drew on more than 80 confidential interviews across government, industry, and transport authorities. It examined ORR between December 2025 and June 2026, as the Railways Bill progressed through Parliament.

The full report can be viewed here.

Image credit: iStockphoto.com

Hull Trains celebrates five million journeys to London

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Hull Trains celebrates five million journeys to London

The UK’s favourite rail operator, Hull Trains, has celebrated an impressive five million customers journeys between Hull and London King’s Cross with a very special surprise for its five millionth customer.

The operator partnered with the local South Cave-based Little Wold Vineyard to mark the milestone, creating a special limited edition ‘five million journeys’ wine for the lucky customer, Lindsay, who was on her way to watch Bon Jovi in London. She was surprised with the first bottle of the wine during her journey on the 10:33 service from Hull.

Hull Trains has revolutionised rail travel between East Yorkshire and London, offering a total of eight direct weekday train services, connecting Hull with destinations including Doncaster, Grantham, Selby and London King’s Cross. Before Hull Trains launched services on 25th September 2000, there was just one train per day in each direction.

Supporting the people and places on its route has been a key part of Hull Trains’ success over the years, with the operator championing the local communities it serves. An important ingredient in that recipe for success is using the highest quality, locally based suppliers, including Little Wold Vineyard.

Richard Salkeld, director of communications and partnerships at Hull Trains, said: “Five million journeys between Hull and London King’s Cross is a real milestone for us and we were keen to mark it in style by celebrating one of our amazing customers. Thank you to our friends at Little Wold Vineyard, one of our many valued local suppliers, for helping us to make this a memorable moment for Lindsay and everyone else onboard too. Here’s to many more sustainable and affordable journeys to come.”

Henry Wilson, from Little Wold Vineyard, added: “We’re very proud of our partnership with Hull Trains, with our locally produced wine available to buy on their brilliant services.

“I’d like to thank the team for asking us to be part of this very special milestone for them. As a fellow local business with sustainability at the heart of what we do, we’d like to wish Hull Trains another successful five million journeys.”

Hull Trains was recently named the country’s top performing rail company for customer satisfaction in the industry customer survey results. The Open Access operator recorded an outstanding 94% customer satisfaction score in the Rail Customer Experience Survey (RCXS) results, securing first place across the industry for the period covered by the survey (October 2025 – March 2026).

Image credit: Hull Trains

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