GBR Anglia scores 90% for punctuality in latest Rail Customer Experience Survey

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GBR Anglia scores 90% for punctuality in latest Rail Customer Experience Survey

GBR Anglia – which brings together the leadership of c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under a single, unified structure – has scored 90% for punctuality in the latest Rail Customer Experience (RCXS) Survey figures. 

The Rail Customer Experience Survey (RCXS) is an industry-wide survey that gathers regular feedback from passengers about their rail journeys across the UK. From the period covering 1 April to 25 July, the survey revealed that GBR Anglia customers recognise it as one of the UK’s most punctual operators, with c2c and Greater Anglia scoring 90% and the Stansted Express 92%. 

GBR Anglia Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Rob Mullen, said: “Providing customers with a safe, reliable and punctual service is our number one priority. The results of the RCXS survey reflect the continued focus on delivering reliable services and improving the customer experience across the railway in Anglia. 

“We know there is always more work to do to improve in certain areas and we are committed to continually improving services. We are delivering improvements through our infrastructure renewals and maintenance programmes, as well as working with partners such as the British Transport Police, Samaritans, WalkSafe and local authorities to drive new safety initiatives across our network.”

“We’ll keep on working to enhance every aspect of our service for customers and communities throughout our region.” 

As part of GBR Anglia, c2c saw significant improvements in Value for Money and Crowding scores, with both improving by 7%, while Train Personal Safety increased by 3%. Overall, Value for Money, Punctuality, and Crowding scored better than industry average. 

Meanwhile, Greater Anglia’s Overall Satisfaction increased from 88% to 90% in the latest scores, with Train Cleanliness also improving from 84% to 86%. Additionally, Station Personal Safety and Station Cleanliness also saw improvement. 

Finally, satisfaction with the Stansted Express service remains strong, with Overall Satisfaction unchanged at 92%. In the latest scores, Punctuality improved from 91% to 92%, while Train Cleanliness improved from 88% to 91%. Furthermore, Train Personal Safety has increased from 91% to 93%.

Image credit: GBR Anglia

Apprentices get their careers on track at Nexus

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Apprentices get their careers on track at Nexus

Ten new apprentices are starting their careers with Nexus this week. The new starters are all embarking on a four-year Engineering Maintenance Technician apprenticeship, after they were selected from over 500 applications.

The apprentices and their families were invited to Nexus’ Learning Centre in South Shields for an induction. They met with their managers and heard more about the programme from training providers TDR Training and some current and previous apprentices.

Managing Director, Cathy Massarella, who also met them said: “Congratulations to all our new apprentices. We’re delighted they chose us and hope this is the beginning of a fulfilling, challenging and enjoyable career with Nexus.

“We’re an essential public service in the region, and on top of the day-to-day operations, we’re also leading on some huge projects, so it’s a great time to join us. Apprentices are the future of our workforce and I’m looking forward to seeing this group progress.”

Nexus has a successful track record in recruiting apprentices, with nine out of ten previous apprentices progressing to permanent full-time employment in the organisation when they complete their training.

Ally Jennings, HR manager at Nexus, said: “Apprenticeships are vital for our long-term future and are an ideal route for both us and the apprentices. They provide us with fresh ideas, new thinking and solid succession planning for critical roles, and the apprentices learn bespoke skills and competencies.

“We have gained countless skilled and engaged permanent employees who first joined us as apprentices, and we’re looking forward to the 2026 cohort joining them.”

During their training, the apprentices will learn how to maintain key aspects of Nexus infrastructure, including ticket machines and ticket gates, lifts and escalators, CCTV, fire alarms, station lighting, and more.

Mirren Smith, 17, is one of the new apprentices. She said: “I’m really interested in how things work, so this apprenticeship seemed ideal. I can’t wait to get started with the training and work with the maintenance teams.”

Glen Hind, 36, had previously been a police officer and lived abroad before returning to the UK. He said: “I’ve always wanted to find a trade and I’m really keen to learn new skills and put them into practice so this is ideal. It’s time for a fresh start and I’m really looking forward it to.”

The apprentices will spend the next few months with TDR Training, learning practical mechanical, electrical, and fitting skills, before joining their teams at Nexus for their on-the-job training. 

Image credit: Nexus

Transpennine Route Upgrade to launch £270,000 Community Fund for 2026

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Transpennine Route Upgrade to launch £270,000 Community Fund for 2026

Communities are set to benefit from a £270,000 funding boost as the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) prepares to launch the third year of its Community Fund.

Applications will open on Monday 28 September, giving community groups, schools and charities located within five kilometres of the Transpennine route, between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, the opportunity to secure funding for projects that make a lasting difference in their areas. Organisations within five kilometres of the Shipley Traincare Centre are also eligible to apply.

The fund forms part of TRU’s commitment to supporting the communities it operates in, helping deliver projects that improve local spaces, create opportunities to develop skills and access employment, and support areas facing socio-economic challenges.

This year, £270,000 will be made available through grants of £5,000, with organisations also able to apply for an uplift to £10,000 where additional funding would significantly increase the impact of their schemes.

Since its launch, the TRU Community Fund has transformed communities across the north awarding more than £400,000 to over 60 community groups, schools and charities across the route, supporting dozens of projects that have improved local facilities, created opportunities for young people and delivered activities bringing people together.

Recent recipients include Friends of Ravenshall, West Yorkshire which is creating a community petting farm and café run by people with special educational needs and disabilities, and Lord Deramore’s School in York, which is developing inclusive outdoor learning spaces for pupils with special educational needs.

Other successful projects have included community gardens, music and creative skills programmes, and initiatives designed to help people build confidence, grow new skills and gain employment.

Anna Humphries, head of sustainability and social value for TRU, said: “Over the last two years, we’ve seen the Community Fund support a wide range of projects that are making a real difference to local people. From inclusive learning environments for young people to community-led initiatives that help people develop skills and confidence, the variety of ideas has been inspiring.

“The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a long-term investment in the North driving growth, and we want local communities to benefit from that investment while the programme is being delivered, not just when the railway upgrade is complete.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what projects come forward this year and helping more organisations turn great ideas into meaningful outcomes for the people they support.”

Image credit: Network Rail

£110k committed to strengthen fight against cable theft and railway crime

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£110k committed to strengthen fight against cable theft and railway crime

A £110,000 investment is helping to tackle cable theft, vandalism, and trespass on the East Coast Main Line through proactive security patrols.

The funding has been approved by the East Coast Partnership, a joint initiative between Network Rail and London North Eastern Railway (LNER).

It has enabled security company Vital to carry out targeted patrols at key locations along the route, which connects London King’s Cross with Scotland via Peterborough, Doncaster, York, Darlington, and Newcastle.

The patrols provide a visible deterrent to criminal activity and unauthorised access to the railway, while gathering intelligence that can help teams identify hotspot locations and direct resources where they are needed most.

By disrupting potential offenders before they strike, the initiative aims to reduce delays and disruption for passengers and freight operators, while supporting the safety of communities and everyone who uses the railway.

John Grainger, joint head of performance for Network Rail and LNER, said: “Cable theft, vandalism and trespass can have a significant impact on the railway, causing delays and cancellations for passengers and freight operators while putting lives at risk.

“This investment provides a real boost to our proactive approach to tackling criminal activity across the East Coast route by increasing patrols at key locations and providing greater visibility on the ground.

“These patrols form part of a wide range of measures used to tackle railway crime. We work closely with British Transport Police to prevent, detect and prosecute offenders through proactive patrols, the use of drones and security cameras at strategic locations, and the forensic marking of assets, which can support investigations.

“Together, these measures can help deter offenders, protect critical infrastructure and keep passengers moving safely and reliably.”

Chris Gostling, Vital account manager, trespass prevention & security, commented: “We take great pride in supporting Network Rail and the rail industry when it comes to tackling cable theft on the network. We recognise the significant disruption, and safety risks these incidents can cause. We are committed to working alongside all railway partners to help protect a critical part of the railway infrastructure. Reducing the impact of cable theft will lead to a far safer and more reliable service.”

Image credit: Network Rail

Repairs completed early at Reedham swing bridge

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Repairs completed early at Reedham swing bridge

Larger boats can pass through Reedham swing bridge again after Network Rail finished fixing a major mechanical fault.

The 123-year-old bridge, which carries trains over the River Yare as well as swinging open for the safe passage of larger boats, was being affected by problems with its central bearing. The bearing forms part of the main pivot and helps to support the structure as it opens and closes.

Fixing the bridge involved removing the old bearing and installing a new one as part of a complex programme of engineering over several weeks. The new bearing was installed during the August bank holiday weekend, with engineers completing testing and commissioning ahead of schedule to bring the bridge back into operation before the expected date in mid-September.

Although the bridge couldn’t be swung for most of the summer, Network Rail worked closely with the Broads Authority to carry out three scheduled swings at the end of July and the start of August, with around 30 boats passing through. The pre-arranged swings were dependent on extensive tests carried out by engineers to check that the bridge could be swung on a limited basis without damaging the structure further. Smaller boats were able to navigate underneath the bridge throughout the repair period.

Joe Kennedy, infrastructure director for Network Rail Anglia, said: “This was a major, complex repair of a bridge that is both a critical piece of infrastructure and an important heritage landmark for the region. Our teams worked hard to get Reedham swinging again, but we’re so sorry for the disruption to boat users, passengers and neighbours while we got the job done.”

Rob Rogers, director of delivery for the Broads Authority, said: “The Authority is pleased to learn that the repair of the bridge has been successfully completed ahead of schedule. The inconvenience caused to owners of larger boats unable to pass whilst it was out of action is regrettable. We extend our thanks to those affected for their patience and to Network Rail in dealing with the challenges of such a complex repair on an old, iconic structure.”

Operators will monitor the bridge at Reedham closely while it starts swinging regularly again. Following major repairs, heritage swing bridges can experience some smaller reliability issues for a time, especially when they have been out of action over an extended period. Hot weather restrictions on the bridge will also apply as normal – the bridge can’t be swung if temperatures get too high because its main structures and rails expand in the heat.

Image credit: Network Rail

RailEI launches new branding

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RailEI launches new branding

The Railway Engineering Institution (RailEI) has unveiled its new brand identity, marking the latest stage in the Institution’s evolution from the Permanent Way Institution (PWI) and reflecting the railway engineering community it represents today.

The launch follows several years of engagement with Members, employers and the wider industry about the future of the Institution. This included consultation around the move to the Railway Engineering Institution name, as well as Member input into the development of the new visual identity.

The new brand provides RailEI with a modern, distinctive and accessible identity that reflects the breadth of its community and supports its ambition to increase the Institution’s visibility and relevance across the railway industry.

While the identity has evolved, RailEI remains proud of more than 140 years of history as the PWI. A dedicated PWI heritage mark has been developed as part of the new brand and will be used where appropriate, providing a clear link between the Institution’s heritage and its future.

Railway Engineering Institution CEO, Stephen Barber, said: “The launch of the RailEI brand opens a new and exciting phase in the Institution’s evolution – one which clearly signals our relevance to the wide realm of rail-borne transport in all its forms.

“Strongly engaged throughout the development journey, our Members have influenced and supported wide-ranging change focussed on making more people working across railway engineering aware of the opportunities available to them through RailEI.

“Our new branding clearly acknowledges over 140 years of invaluable PWI heritage which we are building on, continuing to bring more railway people together to share knowledge, develop competency and support railway engineering careers.”

RailEI is a welcoming, professional railway engineering community, bringing people together to share, learn and build rewarding railway careers. The Institution provides its Members with a unique forum to share and gain knowledge, experience and competency together.

Through Membership, Professional Registration, technical education and training, technical knowledge, events and its network of Sections, RailEI supports people throughout their railway engineering careers while providing opportunities for the industry to share expertise and develop its people.

Image credit: Railway Engineering Institution

£130m invested to strengthen Scotland’s railway against extreme weather

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£130m invested to strengthen Scotland’s railway against extreme weather

Network Rail has reached an important milestone in its work to strengthen Scotland’s railway against extreme weather, investing £130m in resilience over the last two years.

The progress comes as the railway faces increasingly challenging conditions, with higher temperatures, more unpredictable rainfall and frequent severe weather.

Network Rail’s Climate Ready Plan, published in 2024, explains how the railway is adapting to these challenges. As well as funding improvements to infrastructure, the plan aims to build understanding of climate risks, helping teams better anticipate, prepare for and manage the effects of severe weather.

The work delivered so far is part of a wider £400m programme between 2024 and 2029. It supports the Scottish Government’s National Adaptation Plan, which highlights the importance of helping the transport sector adapt to climate change.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “I welcome Network Rail’s continued investment to strengthen and future-proof our railways against the growing challenges posed by extreme weather and climate change.

“The services provided by Scotland’s rail network are critical, keeping Scotland moving by allowing passengers and freight to move safely. It is vital we build a rail network which is resilient to reduce disruption and protect communities.

“This funding, part of the Scottish Government’s £400m programme of investment, will help ensure we are prepared for the growing impact of climate change on the transport network, which has become a year-round challenge.”

The £130m invested includes £73m on earthworks and £37m on drainage, helping the railway better withstand extreme weather.

Examples of resilience projects include upgrades to parts of the railway vulnerable to flooding and landslips:

  • £20m on the West Coast Mainline to proactively improve soil slopes, rock slopes and drainage systems on earthworks, reducing the risk of landslips, rockfalls or flood events.
  • £2.85m on the Highland Mainline at Charleston to install improved drainage and strengthen adjacent earthworks, reducing the risk of flooding and the operational restrictions it can cause.
  • £2m between Glasgow and Edinburgh to make a steep rock face beside the line at Ratho safer, reducing the risk of rocks falling onto the railway.
  • £3m on the West Highland Line to strengthen a hillside above the railway at Falls of Cruachan following a landslip, supporting the railway’s long-term adaptation to more frequent and extreme weather.
  • £850,000 between Aberdeen and Inverness to improve drainage at Old Kinaldie, helping the railway cope with heavier rainfall and reducing the risk of flooding.

Liam Sumpter, managing director of Network Rail Scotland, said: “Rail is central to Scotland’s economy and to the communities it connects every day. Our focus is on building a railway that people can continue to depend on and encourages more passengers and freight companies to choose rail with confidence.

“That means looking ahead and making the right long-term decisions now. By continuing to invest in resilience, we’re supporting sustainable growth and helping ensure the railway remains a reliable choice for the future.”

Alongside infrastructure improvements, Network Rail Scotland launched an adaptation pathways programme that combines the latest weather and climate science with the practical expertise of railway teams to identify where future resilience investment will have the greatest impact.

Network Rail Scotland also co-founded the Climate Ready Infrastructure Scotland Forum, bringing infrastructure owners and operators together to address the shared challenges of a changing climate.

David Harkin, weather resilience and climate change adaptation strategy manager at Network Rail Scotland, added: “We see first hand the impact severe weather can have on the railway. In truth, our railway was built for a climate that no longer exists, and careful planning and action are required to manage that challenge.

“Our role is to understand those risks in detail and make informed decisions that reduce disruption and improve safety. This work is continuous and is essential if we’re to stay ahead of the challenges the railway faces today.”

Image credit: Network Rail

Major renewal of crucial Suffolk rail junction planned this autumn.

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Major renewal of crucial Suffolk rail junction planned this autumn.

The Saxmundham rail junction on the East Suffolk line is planned for a major renewal this autumn to improve resilience and reliability in advance of future freight trains delivering construction materials to Sizewell. 

The renewal of the Saxmundham rail junction is an important part of the plan to prepare the Suffolk rail network to support the Sizewell transport strategy which aims to deliver 60% of all materials by rail and sea, reducing reliance on HGVs, reducing congestion and pollution on local roads. 

This crucial rail junction connects the Leiston branch to the East Suffolk line and is part of the designated rail route for heavy freight services delivering the necessary materials to support the construction of Sizewell C. 

The manually operated junction requires complete modernisation, by introducing a powered crossover (to allow trains to switch between the branch line and the East Suffolk line) controlled by an integrated signalling system from Colchester. 

These rail improvements are part of the overall plan to bring the Leiston (Sizewell) branch line back into use to support this nationally important long term construction project. 

At the same time, to take advantage of the closure when trains are not running, engineers will also be working between Westerfield and Halesworth, installing signalling equipment and systems to as part of the overall improvement programme along the line. Engineers will also be working at Bealings crossing to install new future safety equipment. 

The engineering work is planned to take place over nine days from Saturday 24 October until Sunday 1 November 2026, affecting Greater Anglia services as follows:

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026

Buses replace trains between Lowestoft and Ipswich. A separate shuttle bus will operate for customers travelling to and from Beccles, these customers will need to change bus at Halesworth.

Monday 26 to Sunday 1 November 

Trains will operate between Lowestoft and Halesworth, however, buses replace trains between Halesworth and Ipswich.

During these dates, Greater Anglia customers are advised to check before travelling between Ipswich and Lowestoft on these date and to leave extra time to complete your journey by visiting        www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/service-alterations

Image credit: Network Rail

HS2 installs first section of new Saltley Viaduct

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HS2 installs first section of new Saltley Viaduct

Construction of the new Saltley Viaduct moved a step closer this August Bank Holiday weekend, after HS2 engineers successfully installed the first section of the new bridge over the Birmingham to Derby railway lines.

The original Saltley Viaduct, which spanned a 183‑metre section of the B4114, closed to vehicles and pedestrians in May 2026.  It was then demolished so that a new, taller structure could be built in its place, allowing high speed trains to safely pass below.

The replacement viaduct is being built and installed by engineers working for HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV). The construction programme is being delivered in phases to reflect the complexity of crossing the Birmingham to Derby rail lines, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, the River Rea and ultimately the future HS2 railway line.

The first 55-metre-long steel section was assembled on land adjacent to where the original viaduct once stood. It was then driven into place over the Birmingham to Derby railway lines during the Bank Holiday weekend – a distance of around 125 metres – using self-propelled-modular- transporters (SPMTs).

This first phase of work was delivered in conjunction with Network Rail, during a temporary closure of the railway, which re-opened to passengers as planned this morning (Tuesday, 1 September).

Nic Ryder, HS2 Ltd’s project manager for the works said:

“Our engineering team is making fantastic progress and everyone worked incredibly hard over the Bank Holiday weekend to ensure we were finished in time for the railway to reopen.

“In the three months since the road closed, they have demolished the original structure and successfully installed the first span of the replacement bridge, putting us on track to proceed to the next phase.”

With phase one of four complete, engineers are now assembling the second 35-metre-long span, which will cross over the new HS2 railway line. This span will be lowered into place by crane in October.

Spans three and four, which cross the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, will be installed later this year.  Engineers will then complete the tie in from the perimeter of the railway line to the abutment upon which the structure rests. A new bridge over the River Rea will also be constructed and will form part of the overall realigned B4114.

Dan Binns, Senior Project Manager for Balfour Beatty VINCI, said:

“The new Saltley Viaduct is the latest HS2 structure to emerge in this area of Birmingham, after BBV engineers safely manoeuvred the first 55-metre span over an existing rail line.

“We chose the same technique used on the neighbouring Aston Church Road bridge two years ago, where the span was assembled next to the railway, before being driven into place on wheels to minimise the impact on rail passengers as much as possible.”

The new viaduct is expected to open to motorists and pedestrians in November 2027 with significant safety and design enhancements. It will be four and a half metres wider, to provide additional space for cyclists and pedestrians, and the new wider walkways will feature LED lighting in the panels.

HS2 Ltd and BBV worked closely with Birmingham City Council, Transport for the West Midlands and National Express Ltd to ensure safe and effective diversion routes and bus provisions were put in place throughout the construction phase.

HS2 Ltd has also awarded Birmingham City Council over £2.5 million in funding to leave a road safety legacy along the route of the railway.  The funding, which is allocated for improvement initiatives, must be spent by the end of December 2026.

Image credit: HS2

Bewdley Express rolls out for first commuter journey on the SVR

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Bewdley Express rolls out for first commuter journey on the SVR

The Severn Valley Railway’s Bewdley Express commuter trial got off to a flying start today (Tuesday 1 September) as the first heritage train carried passengers from Bewdley towards Birmingham, marking the beginning of an eight-week experiment in connecting the town directly with the wider West Midlands rail network.

The inaugural service, which departed Bewdley at 6.40am, attracted plenty of interest, with press and photographers on hand to capture the historic first journey. Representatives of Bewdley Town Council and Worcestershire County Council were also present, alongside representatives of the three organisations that have worked together to make the trial possible: the Severn Valley Railway (SVR), West Midlands Railway, and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE).

The Bewdley Express operates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the eight-week trial, with two morning services departing Bewdley at 6.40am and 7.40am. Passengers change at Kidderminster for West Midlands Railway services, with the first service reaching Birmingham Snow Hill at 7.46am and the second at 8.46am.

Evening return services leave Birmingham Snow Hill at 4.46pm and 5.46pm, connecting at Kidderminster with SVR trains back to Bewdley, arriving at 5.57pm and 7.02pm respectively.

For the SVR’s chief executive officer Gus Dunster, the launch of the service was a particularly significant moment:

“To see the first Bewdley Express leave Bewdley this morning, with people using it to begin their working day, is a fantastic moment after months of planning and preparation.

“This service could make a real difference to people living in Bewdley and the surrounding area, giving them another option for getting to work in Birmingham and elsewhere without having to rely on the car. It also opens up wider opportunities for education, business and leisure.

“But this is a trial, and we need people to use it. The level of demand we demonstrate over the next eight weeks will be hugely important in determining whether there is a case for making services like this a permanent fixture. So, my message is simple: if this service could work for you, please give it a try, tell your friends and make use of it. The more people who use the Bewdley Express, the stronger the evidence will be for its future.”

Among those playing a key role in delivering the first service was Bob Dunn. The SVR’s most senior diesel driver took the controls of the inaugural train and said:

“Back in my main line driving career, I was very used to setting my alarm, and this morning it went off at 3.30am. We had plenty to do to get the DMU ready for our first departure at 06.40. Today feels extremely special and I’m extremely proud to be a part of it all. It’s almost 50 years since the last commuter services on the SVR, and here we are, doing it all again. Happy days!”

The Bewdley Express is believed to be one of the first arrangements of its kind in the UK, with passengers travelling on normal main line rail tickets for a journey that includes a heritage railway. The trial is testing whether existing heritage railway infrastructure and facilities can play a role in improving connectivity with the modern rail network.

Tickets for the Bewdley Express are available to purchase from West Midlands Railway staff at Bewdley ahead of the morning departures on the day of travel. Tickets can also be purchased from West Midlands Railway ticket offices, including Kidderminster and Birmingham Snow Hill. WMR are working hard to make tickets available for purchase online and advise checking their website for updates.

Indicative fares include £16 for a return journey between Bewdley and Birmingham, £3.60 for a return between Bewdley and Kidderminster, and £2 for a single between Bewdley and Kidderminster.

The trial runs for eight weeks, with passenger numbers and usage patterns helping the SVR, West Midlands Railway and WMRE assess demand and the potential for future services. If sufficient demand is demonstrated, the trial could help build the case for selected services currently terminating at Kidderminster to be extended to Bewdley in future.

Image credit: Keith Wilkinson

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