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Daily news from Rail Technology Magazine
And here’s todays news from Rail Technology Magazine in association with TransCity Rail – on Wednesday 21st February 2024
Network Rail, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) are joining forces to revitalise rail services in Aldridge after a six-decade hiatus. This £30 million project, funded by the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), signifies a strategic investment in the region's connectivity and aligns perfectly with #wm2041 goals for sustainable transportation.
The new Aldridge station, scheduled to open in 2027, will initially offer half-hourly services to Walsall, providing residents with easy access to Birmingham and other regional and national connections. The project was announced after the recently confirmed funding for the £1.7 billion Midlands Rail Hub. With potential future electrification of the line and the full reopening of the Sutton Park Line, Aldridge station could offer direct services to Birmingham, significantly improving regional connectivity.
Siemens Mobility is set to deliver up to 250 locomotives as part of a new framework agreement with leading European rail rental company, Railpool.
70 Vectron locomotives will be called up immediately as part of the agreement, including 24 multisystem locomotives for AC and DC networks as well as 46 AC locomotives. The move will take Railpool’s Vectron fleet up to 228 locomotives total.
The government has set out its plans for the future of the nation’s railways with the publication of the draft Rail Reform Bill.
This will see transformation delivered across the sector, as well as the creation of Great British Railways, which will support infrastructure and rail services being brought together.
Despite the positivity from the government on the bill, Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has said that it has arrived late and “has no prospect of ever becoming law.”
And that’s the latest – Don’t forget to like and subscribe to make sure you receive every new bulletin & check out our stories in full on our website Rail Technology Magazine .com