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Siemens Mobility has announced a new partnership with Samaritans, a charity dedicated to providing emotional support to anyone in distress or at risk of suicide. This partnership forms part of the company’s social value approach, underscoring its commitment to fostering mental health awareness and well-being within the rail industry. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail 

“Expensive fleet assets are often replaced prematurely due to challenges in sourcing obsolete or damaged parts. We can extend and maximise the lifespan and value of these assets by producing new versions that retain the same functionality and improved performance, using our expertise in reverse and re-engineering of obsolete, degraded or unreliable parts to improve operational performance.” In this Guest Writer article, James Brown, Managing Director at Belvoir Rail Ltd, explains how the company is providing comprehensive support and sourcing solutions for hard to find or obsolete rolling stock components. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail 

Community Rail Network has announced its latest corporate partnership with the Advance Consultancy. The Advance Consultancy is a small to medium-sized management consultancy that focuses on adding value through collaboration, leadership and culture. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail 

Network Rail is getting behind Samaritans to encourage the public and staff to take time out for a cuppa and a catch-up, as part of the charity’s annual Brew Monday campaign. While the third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’, Samaritans is dispelling the ‘Blue Monday’ myth. The suicide prevention charity’s listening volunteers are busy daily, responding to a call for help every 10 seconds. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail 

Newcastle-based train operator Lumo has announced the strategic appointment of Rachel Firth as Customer Experience and Innovation Manager, reinforcing its commitment to delivering transformative growth and setting new industry standards in modern rail travel. Rachel has more than two decades of leadership experience spanning the rail, road, and aviation sectors. Her appointment brings unparalleled expertise and a proven track record of driving change and innovation. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail 

Major upgrades to deliver improvements for passengers and the wider rail network are being proposed by Network Rail as part of the Manchester Oxford Road Station Remodelling Scheme. The consultation launched on Monday (20 January), will consider upgrades including longer platforms, track and signalling improvements, as well as construction of a new station footbridge with lifts serving all platforms. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail 

Today's rail headlines - #InTheNews: Transport Secretary says public ownership is not a "silver bullet", reports suggest chancellor Rachel Reeves will freeze Welsh rail spending while protecting three major projects in England, FirstGroup and Virgin combine to push back against Government clampdown on open access operators, and more rail stations in South East to allow passengers to pay contactless for tickets at barriers. Listen here: #UKRail #railway #headlines

Hitachi Rail has agreed to acquire the cutting-edge digital rail monitoring business Omnicom from Balfour Beatty. The acquisition has been described as a key strategic pillar for Hitachi Rail’s new digital asset management business, known as HMAX. Omnicom provides software and hardware for surveying, inspecting and monitoring rail infrastructure assets including its Infrastructure Monitoring System, gauge clearance measurement, line visual inspection and scanning infrastructure. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail 

In two weeks’ time, passengers across the South East will be able to use tap-in and tap-out ticketing at 47 more stations for the first time, guaranteeing they get the best value ticket available on the day. The new ticketing, which will be rolled out at these stations from 2 February, will turn dozens of key commuter lines such as Sevenoaks to London Bridge into fully contactless journeys making train travel simpler, more accessible, and more flexible. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail 

GB Railfreight’s (GBRf) first Class 99 has left Stadler’s factory in Valencia and made its way to Velim in the Czech Republic, where it will undergo a rigorous programme of testing and commissioning. After testing in Velim, 99001 is expected to arrive in the UK early summer, this year. Last month, it was revealed by GBRf, that its latest locomotive will operate solely on electricity or renewable fuels such as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil). The Class 99s are set to enter service in late 2025, marking a major milestone in sustainable rail freight transport. #railnews #railways #ukrail #rail