CLondoner92

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ScotRail says almost 750,000 extra journeys have been paid for before boarding since April, as it prepared passengers for the introduction of a £10 minimum fare from 1 July. The operator says 743,000 more tickets were bought before travel during its education campaign, with analysis suggesting at least 36,000 of those journeys may otherwise have involved fare evasion. The minimum fare will apply where passengers board without a ticket despite ticket-buying facilities being available. ScotRail estimates fare evasion costs Scotland's Railway more than £11 million a year. Ticketless travel has fallen from 8.8 per cent in April 2022 to 2.63 per cent, following stronger revenue protection measures. Exemptions will apply in some cases, including where no ticket-buying facilities are available or for some concessionary fares and disabled passengers.
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/scotrail-praises-customers-ahead-minimum-fare-introduction

🚆🇬🇹🇬🇧 #Guatemala has selected the #UK as a partner for the #Metro Riel rail project in Guatemala City under a five-year agreement signed on 9 July. The partnership will support planning and delivery through UK technical expertise, knowledge sharing and potential financing. Signed in Guatemala City in the presence of President Bernardo Arévalo, Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martínez and British Ambassador Juliana Correa, the agreement establishes a joint working group that will meet twice a year to oversee co-operation and progress. The UK will share experience from major rail, public transport and infrastructure projects, while Infrastructure Exports: UK and UK Export Finance will explore opportunities to support the scheme. The agreement aims to strengthen sustainable growth, improve #transport links and support infrastructure development in Guatemala.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/guatemala-chooses-uk-as-partner-for-metro-riel

Great Western Railway will double capacity on its Twyford–Henley shuttle during the 2026 Henley Royal Regatta after record rail demand last year. The enhanced service runs from 30 June to 5 July, with half-hourly four-car trains during the week and seven-car trains on Saturday, connecting with London Paddington services. GWR is encouraging visitors to travel by train to avoid congestion and limited parking, with the journey from Twyford to Henley taking around 12 minutes. Queuing systems will operate at both stations, and passengers are advised to buy tickets in advance, allow extra time and check their journey before travelling. The busiest periods are expected between 9am and 1pm towards Henley and from 4pm for return journeys. Some timetable and stopping pattern changes will also apply on the branch line.
https://news.gwr.com/news/henley-royal-regatta-returns-gwr-doubles-capacity-on-twyford-to-henley-shuttle-for-another-bumper-year

More than 450 Blue Badges have been cancelled in Wirral after checks found permits issued to people who had died were still being used. A joint operation by the Public Sector Fraud Authority and Wirral Council identified 459 potentially fraudulent badges through data matching with Department for Work and Pensions records, preventing losses of more than £363,000 between 2024 and 2025. Traffic wardens will carry out targeted patrols, including near schools, and can confiscate misused badges. Anyone found using a badge after the holder's death could receive a warning or a fine of up to £1,000. Nationally, Blue Badge fraud investigations have led to permits worth an estimated £34 million being cancelled over the past two years as part of wider government efforts to tackle public sector fraud.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-crackdown-on-fraud-leads-to-cancellation-of-over-450-blue-badges-in-the-wirral

The #UK #government will invest £33.4 million to install new ticket gates at #railway stations across #England as part of plans to reduce fare evasion and improve services. The gates, including taller barriers to deter jumping, will be installed at stations with no existing gatelines and at identified fare evasion hotspots. Ministers estimate ticketless #travel costs the railway up to £400 million a year, with recovered revenue intended for network maintenance, carriage upgrades and other passenger improvements. The programme forms part of wider rail reforms ahead of Great #British #Railways, alongside expanded Pay As You Go, digital ticketing trials and a new rail app. Operators receiving funding include Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, Thameslink Southern Great Northern, TransPennine Express and West Midlands Trains. The first gates are due from early 2027, with completion expected by mid-2028.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/334-million-to-fund-new-gateline-improvements

Retired engineer Phil Watts, 82, has returned to the North East to see the original Tyne and Wear Metro trains before they leave passenger service. Phil helped develop the Metro between 1969 and 1979, shaping the network's routes and writing the specifications for the fleet, which entered service in 1980. He described the visit as emotional and said he was proud to have played a part in a project that transformed public transport in the region. The original fleet carried 1.7 billion passenger journeys over 46 years and travelled around 500 million kilometres. Phil said advances in technology mean it is the right time for a new generation of trains, but the original fleet will always hold a special place as his first major engineering project.
https://nexus.org.uk/news-media-hub/news/meet-the-engineer-who-helped-to-design-metros-original-train-fleet/

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) says Britain’s rail industry must keep safety at the forefront as major reforms progress. Its annual health and safety report follows the fatal Elstow collision near Bedford, in which driver Shaun Burton died and many others were injured. ORR is supporting the ongoing investigation. While rail remains safe overall, the regulator says faster action is needed to tackle overspeeding, improve trackworker safety and provide better welfare for staff. It will also scrutinise delayed maintenance linked to financial pressures, rising level crossing deaths, and increasing violence and harassment against railway workers. Chief Inspector Richard Hines said reform must deliver clear leadership, accountability and stronger safety standards, warning that change must not weaken protections for passengers or staff.
https://www.orr.gov.uk/search-news/rail-industry-must-maintain-safety-standards-through-reform-says-orr

Stagecoach has showcased its Chargd business-to-business electric vehicle charging network at a launch event in Cambridge as it expands the service across the #UK. Six depots are now operational in #Cambridge, #Oxford, #Inverness, #Stockton, Ash Grove in #London and #Dover, with nine more planned later in 2026 across #Scotland, London, the Midlands, the North East and #Yorkshire. Around 25 representatives from local business groups and industry partners attended presentations before seeing the charging facilities in operation at the Cambridge depot. Chargd gives commercial fleets, including HGVs, access to Stagecoach’s rapid-charging #infrastructure. The operator says the initiative supports businesses switching to electric vehicles while making greater use of its existing depot network, as part of its wider ambition for a zero-tailpipe emission bus fleet by 2035.
https://media.stagecoachgroup.com/news/stagecoach-showcases-chargd-in-action-at-launch-event-as-nationwide-rollout-accelerates

🇭🇰 Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) has launched the "KMB Senior Travel" initiative to improve travel for older passengers and encourage greater public awareness of their needs. In partnership with the Hong Kong Christian Service, KMB will provide driver training focused on assisting elderly passengers, including allowing extra time for boarding and alighting where safe. From 1 July, 10 bus termini with higher numbers of older passengers will offer portable fans on loan, along with cooling towels and drinking water to help people cope with the summer heat. New stickers, onboard displays and bus stop screens will remind older passengers they can seek help from drivers or terminus staff, while encouraging drivers and passengers to offer assistance. KMB said the measures aim to create a safer, more comfortable and elderly-friendly #travel environment.
https://kmb.hk/news_detail.html?id=1434&year=2026

🇸🇬 The Land #Transport Authority (LTA) said safety and operational needs determine how bus lanes and road shoulders are used, responding to a suggestion that motorcycles be allowed to use them. It said road shoulders must remain clear for emergency vehicles, incident response and broken-down vehicles to ensure help can be provided quickly and safely. Bus lanes are intended to improve the speed and reliability of bus services, particularly during peak hours, and allowing motorcycles to use them during operating times would reduce their effectiveness. Outside operating hours, all vehicles, including motorcycles, may already use bus lanes. The LTA added that dedicated motorcycle lanes depend on available road space, local conditions and travel patterns, and may not be practical in #Singapore. It said road safety is a shared responsibility requiring all road users to follow traffic rules, keep within speed limits and show consideration for others.
https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/newsroom/2026/6/media-replies/in-land-scarce-singapore--road-space-must-be-carefully-balanced-.html

The #Railway 200 exhibition train Inspiration has completed its year-long #UK tour after attracting more than 104,000 visitors across 65 stops and travelling 12,000 miles. The free travelling exhibition, featuring interactive displays, railway artefacts and career information, visited communities with limited access to national museums. Its final stop in Scarborough on 22 June included cab tours, an exhibition of watercolours by artist Glynis Dray, and confirmation of the train's future. The Wonderlab on Wheels carriage will move to Locomotion museum in Shildon, while the Your Railway Future carriage will be retained by Network Rail at its Melton test track. Railway 200 also released its Commemorative Review, highlighting achievements including 1.4 million event attendees, more than 100,000 young people taking part in STEM and careers activities, and £1 million in National Lottery Heritage Fund grants.
https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/exhibition-trains-historic-tour-ends-with-celebrations-and-major-announcement

The #Transport Department (TD) has approved a pilot licence for an autonomous vehicle (AV) trial between Hong Kong Science Park and MTR University Station under the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation. Two 12-seat autonomous light #buses will operate on a set route linking the two locations, with a backup operator on board at all times and pilot AV labels displayed. Funded by the Smart Traffic Fund, the trial will assess the vehicles' performance in complex road conditions, including roundabouts and a public transport interchange, while gathering data to support future development. The #Government said road safety remains its priority and that findings will help refine technical standards, regulations and future AV deployment. The TD also encouraged organisations to apply for AV pilot licences, with applications assessed under its code of practice.
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202607/15/P2026071500378.htm

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) says Network Rail improved efficiency and helped reduce passenger and freight train cancellations across Great #Britain in the year to March 2026, while punctuality remained broadly stable. Network Rail exceeded its annual efficiency target, delivering £614 million in savings, and is forecast to exceed its five-year target. However, high inflation has forced the company to scale back planned renewals of tracks, bridges and other #infrastructure in England and Wales to 83% of its original plan. ORR said Network Rail must provide stronger evidence that reduced renewals will not undermine the long-term condition, safety and performance of the ageing railway. In #Scotland, renewals remain on track despite inflation, with cancellations falling, although future performance targets are considered at risk.
https://www.orr.gov.uk/search-news/rail-regulator-network-rail-improves-efficiency-must-manage-impact-fewer-renewals-due

🇭🇰 KMB will run a pop-up store at the #HongKong Book Fair from 15 to 21 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The highlight is the debut of the new KMB Guardians merchandise range, which reimagines classic KMB #buses as five superhero-style characters across products including card holders, document wallets and umbrellas. The popular KMB Stop Bell, first launched at the Lunar New Year Fair, also returns with new sound effects. Visitors can also buy new bus models, exclusive merchandise and discounted sets available during the event. KMB's stands are located at 3F-A06 and 3F-B05. A range of cross-harbour bus routes from Kowloon and the New Territories provide direct access to the venue, including Routes 600, 603, 673, 900, 934, 936, 960, 961, 968 and 978.
https://www.kmb.hk/news_detail.html?id=1442&year=2026

A replica Tyne and Wear Metro train will return to Tiny Toon at Newcastle’s Old Eldon Square for a third year, giving children the chance to explore and play during the summer holidays. The free play village runs from 20 July to 31 August and attracted more than 105,000 visitors last year. Children can pretend to drive the mini Metro wearing hi-vis vests and hats or ride in the carriage. Delivered by NE1 with local partners, including #Metro operator Nexus, Tiny Toon recreates Newcastle with miniature versions of well-known buildings, shops and attractions, complete with themed props and dressing-up outfits. The attraction sits alongside Screen on the Green and the Stay and Play Zone, offering free films, games and family activities while supporting city centre businesses.
https://nexus.org.uk/news-media-hub/news/replica-metro-train-to-wow-kids-at-tiny-toon-play-village/

#Birmingham Moor Street Station has been temporarily renamed Bellingham Moor Street ahead of England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday, Chiltern Railways has announced. Customers travelling through the station will see the new sign on Platform 3 before the match. The temporary name and signage will remain in place for as long as England stay in the tournament. Chiltern Railways said the change recognises #England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who was born in Stourbridge and is one of the West Midlands’ best-known sporting figures. Birmingham Moor Street is also close to Birmingham City, Bellingham’s boyhood club. Michael Stewart, Commercial and Customer Strategy Director at Chiltern #Railways, said the rename was intended to show support for England and wished the team and Bellingham the best ahead of the semi-final.
https://press.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/birmingham-moor-street-renamed-bellingham-moor-street-ahead-of-englands-world-cup-semi-final

Passengers travelling between London and South Wales are being urged to plan ahead this summer as essential engineering work affects services between Swindon and Bristol Parkway. From 6 July to 2 August, and again on 8-9 August, trains will run hourly instead of more frequently, with journeys between London Paddington and South Wales taking around 25 minutes longer due to diversions. Some stopping patterns will also change, while extra services will operate between London Paddington and Swindon. No rail replacement buses are planned. Network Rail is replacing track, carrying out structural work in Chipping Sodbury Tunnel and renewing track west of Swindon to improve reliability and make the railway more resilient to extreme weather. Passengers are advised to check before travelling, allow extra time and reserve seats where possible.
https://news.gwr.com/news/travel-between-london-and-south-wales-what-customers-need-to-know-during-summer-rail-upgrades

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is consulting on a proposed framework to help rail operators provide fairer redress when pre-booked passenger assistance is not delivered. Demand for assistance is at its highest since records began in 2012, reflecting rising passenger numbers. The framework, developed with passenger groups, train operators and industry representatives, sets out factors operators should consider when assessing redress, including the nature of the failure, its impact on the journey, personal or emotional effects and any repeated problems. Redress could include compensation, reimbursement of costs or non-financial remedies. The proposals build on rules introduced in October 2025 requiring operators to assess each claim individually. The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 11 September 2026, before ORR finalises the framework.
https://www.orr.gov.uk/search-news/rail-regulator-makes-proposals-fairer-redress

🇵🇹 #Alstom has broken ground on a new rail manufacturing site in Matosinhos, near Porto, strengthening its long-term presence in Portugal as part of its contract to supply 153 commuter and regional trains for Comboios de #Portugal. The 20,000 sq m facility is expected to create around 300 direct jobs and more than 1,000 indirect jobs, with 81 #trains to be built in Portugal. The investment is intended to boost local rail manufacturing, strengthen supply chains and support the country's role in Alstom's European production network. The new trains will carry up to 450 passengers and feature step-free access, Wi-Fi, wheelchair and cycle spaces, while being more than 95% recyclable. Alstom has operated in Portugal for more than 30 years.
https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/6/alstom-strengthens-its-industrial-footprint-portugal-and-reinforces-its-role-countrys-rail-ecosystem

Used Metro track will be turned into a new war memorial in South Shields honouring British soldiers who were prisoners of war in the Far East during the Second World War. The 10-metre section of rail, donated by Nexus, will be installed beside the Len Gibson statue in North Marine Park. Gibson, a Sunderland veteran captured by Japan, was among 60,000 Allied prisoners forced to build the Burma Railway between Thailand and Myanmar from 1942 to 1943. The memorial, privately funded by Daft as a Brush founder Brian Burnie, is due to be completed in time for VJ Day in August. Burnie said it would recognise the sacrifice of the so-called Forgotten Army, while Nexus said reusing the track supports both the project and its sustainability goals.
https://nexus.org.uk/news-media-hub/news/metro-track-recycled-for-new-south-tyneside-war-memorial/

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 #Transport for #Wales (TfW) has welcomed two new retailers to #Cardiff Bus Interchange, with local brand Kiwis Bowls and sandwich chain Which Wich joining the growing retail offer. The additions follow the opening of Starbucks in April 2025 and are part of TfW’s plans to create a vibrant transport hub that supports both #Welsh and international businesses. Kiwis Bowls will serve açaí bowls, smoothies and ethically sourced coffee, while Which Wich has made its #Welsh debut with outlets at the interchange and St David’s shopping centre. TfW said the new retailers provide passengers with greater choice, with the project managed by its in-house Commercial Property team. TfW subsidiary ffeibr supplied both businesses with high-speed #broadband, highlighting collaboration to improve digital connectivity for businesses across Wales.
https://news.tfw.wales/news/transport-for-wales-welcomes-new-retailers-to-cardiff-bus-interchange

Sizewell C has appointed Specialist Passenger Solutions (SPS), part of First Bus, to operate workforce transport for the new nuclear power station in Suffolk under a five-year contract starting this month. SPS will run park-and-ride and pick-up services using around 150 #hydrogen and electric buses supplied by Sizewell C, reducing thousands of daily car journeys. The company expects to create at least 400 jobs, including drivers, engineers and support staff, with around 75% of recruits expected to be trainees. SPS will recruit within an hour of the site and builds on its experience at Hinkley Point C in Somerset, where it transports more than 12,000 workers a day. Sizewell C says the contract will support low-carbon travel, local employment and regional supply chains during construction.
https://news.firstbus.co.uk/news/sizewell-c-appoints-sps-to-deliver-workforce-transport-services-creating-at-least-400-jobs

Work to reinstate the car park at #Colchester railway station is due to begin later this month after design work was completed. Upgrades already underway include improvements to the power supply, drainage and preparations for a new lift. The scheme will provide more accessible parking bays, new pedestrian routes, improved lighting and CCTV, plus additional cycle and motorcycle parking. Delivered by Greater #Anglia as part of GBR Anglia, the project will reopen parking spaces in phases as work progresses. The car park closed in July 2024 after a structural survey found deterioration in the decked section, which was later demolished. Other areas of the station car park remain open, with temporary access roads and a new pedestrian walkway in place. Greater Anglia said it would keep disruption to a minimum and thanked customers for their patience.
https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/news-articles/work-set-begin-reinstating-colchester-station-car-park

First Bus will introduce network improvements across south and mid #Essex from Sunday 26 July, with changes in Chelmsford, Basildon, Colchester and surrounding areas. The update includes better links to Broomfield and Basildon hospitals, new connections to Beaulieu Park and Harold Wood Elizabeth Line stations, expanded routes, improved cross-city travel in Chelmsford and a seasonal weekend service to Colchester Zoo during the summer holidays. Several services will also see more frequent buses and timetable changes to improve reliability. In Chelmsford, C routes will be reorganised, including more frequent buses to Broomfield Hospital, a new cross-city route and simplified services. In Basildon, the B1 will extend to Harold Wood, the B2 will be revised, a new B6 introduced and Sunday frequencies increased on the B3. New weekend and late-evening journeys will also be added on selected Essex routes.
https://news.firstbus.co.uk/news/first-bus-to-introduce-improvements-across-south-essex-network

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 A new daily coach service linking Bangor and Carmarthen will launch this autumn, cutting journey times between north and south Wales by more than an hour. The route will stop at Bangor, Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth, Aberaeron and Carmarthen, improving access to jobs, education, healthcare, businesses and #tourism. The #Welsh Government says the service is the first step towards better public transport for rural communities and will complement existing TrawsCymru, Fflecsi and local bus services as part of the wider T Network. It is also intended to encourage more sustainable #travel by offering a low-carbon alternative to the car. Funding was confirmed in the First Supplementary Budget, alongside £8 million to extend the £1 bus fare for 5 to 21-year-olds until 31 March 2027.
https://www.gov.wales/new-coach-between-north-and-south-wales-will-cut-journey-times-over-hour

c2c Railway has officially opened the rejuvenated gardens at #Shoeburyness station, marking the completion of a four-month community project led by the Shoeburyness Station Garden Volunteers. #Southend East and #Rochford MP Bayo Alaba formally opened the gardens, praising the volunteers for creating a more welcoming gateway to the community. c2c Customer Experience Director Abu Siddeeq thanked volunteers, local residents and businesses for their support in transforming the previously neglected flowerbeds. During the event, the volunteers were presented with a commemorative plaque recognising their contribution. Volunteer Rhona Rivers said the project had been challenging, particularly during the recent hot weather, but praised the backing of the local #community. The group will continue to maintain the gardens for residents and visitors.
https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/media-centre/latest-news/local-mp-and-community-join-together-to-launch-rejuvenated-station-gardens/

London Northwestern Railway (LNR) has launched a new Family Advance Fare to make rail travel more affordable for families. Available to book up to 12 weeks ahead, the fixed-price ticket costs £22 for journeys between Birmingham and London for groups of up to two adults and four children aged five to 15. The fare is available on selected LNR routes, with limited availability, and passengers are encouraged to book early. LNR said the offer aims to provide better value for families planning days out, weekends away or holidays, while making journey planning simpler with one fare covering the whole group. Tickets can be booked through the LNR and West Midlands Railway (WMR) website and app, with prices on other routes varying by destination.
https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/about-us/news-desk/london-northwestern-railway-rolls-out-new-family-advance-fare

Stagecoach’s open-top Coastal Breezer (Route 400) will return for summer 2026, running daily between Seacombe Ferry Terminal and New Brighton from 18 July to 31 August. Timetables are coordinated with Mersey Ferry arrivals, making it easier for passengers to continue their journey along the Wirral waterfront. Mersey Ferry River Explorer Cruise ticket holders and Eureka! Science + Discovery annual pass holders can again travel free. Fares remain £1 for an adult single and £5 for a family ticket (up to two adults and three children). Stagecoach says the service supports tourism, local businesses and offers a convenient alternative to driving. The open-top buses will operate weather permitting, with views across the River Mersey and #Liverpool Bay.
https://media.stagecoachgroup.com/news/stagecoachs-coastal-breezer-service-returns-for-summer-2026

c2c Railway has introduced a £15 off-peak adult return fare from its London stations to destinations between Leigh-on-Sea and Shoeburyness, available for travel from 21 July to 31 August 2026. The offer can be booked up to one day before travel and is aimed at making summer trips to South Essex more affordable. Passengers travelling from non-London c2c stations can instead buy £10 return tickets. The fares can also be used alongside existing discounts, including free travel for children under five, £2 child fares for eligible off-peak weekend and school holiday services, GroupSave discounts for groups of three or more, the Family Travelcard and the Senior Rover. c2c said the offer is intended to encourage more people to visit South Essex's coastal towns during the summer.
https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/media-centre/latest-news/c2c-launches-15-summer-return-train-travel-offer-to-southend-on-sea/

Alstom increased procurement from Spanish suppliers to a record €700.89 million in the 2025/26 financial year, up 32% on the previous year, reinforcing Spain’s role as a strategic industrial and technology hub for the group. The company worked with 746 suppliers across the country, supporting a broad rail supply chain spanning design, engineering, manufacturing, maintenance and signalling. Alstom said the investment reflects confidence in the competitiveness of Spanish suppliers and helps support jobs and growth. The company has operated in Spain for more than 170 years, employs more than 3,000 people and runs over 30 sites, including four manufacturing facilities and specialist engineering and technology centres. In 2025/26, Alstom reported €897 million in sales, with exports accounting for half of the total.
https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/7/alstom-exceeds-eur700-million-procurement-spain-and-strengthens-its-industrial-footprint

Does #Transport for #London Have Too Much Power in Decision-Making?
https://clondoner92.blogspot.com/2026/06/does-transport-for-london-have-too-much.html

#Transport for #London (TfL) is bringing back #Cycle Sundays, offering unlimited free 60-minute Santander Cycles rides every Sunday in July, from 5 to 26 July. Free Day Pass codes, normally worth £3.50, can be redeemed via the #Santander #Cycles app, website or at docking stations. Registered members can also use the offer on e-bikes. The initiative aims to encourage more people, particularly beginners, to cycle by providing more than 50 leisure and beginner-friendly routes across London, plus free online cycle skills training. #TfL has also partnered with Strava and komoot, allowing riders to discover, plan and track routes. London's cycle hire scheme now has 12,000 #bikes, including more than 2,000 e-bikes, at more than 800 docking stations. Extra charges apply to rides lasting longer than 60 minutes.
https://tfl-newsroom.prgloo.com/news/tfl-brings-back-popular-cycle-sundays-with-unlimited-free-60-minute-santander-cycle-rides-every-sunday-in-july

Southeastern passengers are being urged to plan ahead as #London Charing Cross and Waterloo East close to Southeastern services for 22 days from 26 July to 16 August while Network Rail carries out a £20 million upgrade. The work includes replacing nearly two kilometres of 36-year-old track, rebuilding platforms, improving drainage and repairing bridges to improve safety and reliability. Services will be diverted to London Victoria, Cannon Street, Blackfriars and London Bridge, with revised timetables, reduced frequencies on some routes, and changes to first and last trains. Additional weekend closures are planned on 18–19 July, 22–23 August and 10–11 October. Highspeed, Medway Valley and Sheerness branch services will run as normal. Passengers should check journey details, including last trains, before travelling.
https://newsroom.southeasternrailway.co.uk/news/major-london-stations-close-as-railway-carries-out-gbp-20m-upgrade-this-summer

First Bus will launch the new X3 express service on 26 July, providing faster journeys between Fareham, Portchester, Portsmouth Harbour and Southsea. The route will run every 30 minutes from Monday to Saturday, with services from 7.25am to 11.45pm. Journey times from Fareham to Portsmouth Harbour will be around 35 minutes, while trips to South Parade Pier will be almost twice as fast as before. The X3 will work alongside the existing X4 and X5, creating a bus every 15 minutes between Fareham, Portchester and Portsmouth city centre. Portsmouth City Council is part-funding the service through its Bus Service Improvement Programme. To support the changes, First Bus will reduce the frequency of Services 1 and 3 from every 10 minutes to every 12 minutes and has revised X4 and X5 timetables to improve punctuality.
https://news.firstbus.co.uk/news/new-express-service-from-first-bus-expands-faster-travel-to-portsmouth-harbour-and-southsea

The second phase of essential platform renewal works at #Limehouse station will run from 17 to 29 August, with the London-bound Platform 1 closed throughout. Rail operator c2c, now part of GBR Anglia, said the work follows the completion of the first phase in July and includes replacing timber decking with a more durable Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) system and extending Platform 1 by about 28 metres to increase capacity and improve safety. Passengers travelling from #Essex to #London should allow extra time and use alternative routes. Customers heading to London from Limehouse should travel to West Ham on an Essex-bound service to connect with c2c #trains or use #TfL services. DLR passengers should also change at West Ham, while those needing #mobility assistance are advised to contact c2c before travelling.
https://www.c2c-online.co.uk/media-centre/latest-news/second-phase-of-platform-renewal-and-extension-works-planned-at-limehouse-station/

#Leicester City Council is set to reallocate £9.95 million of #Government Levelling Up funding to help deliver a major redevelopment of Leicester #railway station, increasing total support for the project to £27.5 million. The funding will be transferred from the St Margaret’s junction scheme, which will still proceed in a revised £5.2 million form. The station plans include restoring the Grade II listed building, relocating the main entrance to Station Street, creating a pedestrianised public square, improving accessibility and expanding passenger facilities. The council hopes to appoint a development partner early next year after an earlier procurement process failed. An additional £5 million contribution from the Department for #Transport and East Midlands Railway is also being considered. A decision on the funding transfer is due on 22 July 2026.
https://news.leicester.gov.uk/news-articles/2026/july/budget-boost-to-get-railway-station-revamp-back-on-track/