Arriva sale could be closer
PRIVATE equity group Carlyle is in exclusive talks to buy Deutsche Bahn subsidiary Arriva for more than £2 billion, it is reported. However, according to Sky News, the Northern franchise is not included in the sale. DB needs to raise funds to reduce its debts, and is also under increasing pressure from German politicians to improve performance and become more efficient. DB bought the British firm Arriva, which operates buses as well as rail franchises in Britain, almost ten years ago.
West Midlands Railway strikes ahead
THE RMT has called strikes by drivers and conductors on West Midlands Trains for seven Saturdays from 16 November to 28 December, in a dispute over train staffing and the role of the guard.
Welsh trains back on track after floods
THE line between Abergavenny and Hereford has reopened, after floods damaged the track just over a week ago. Network Rail said 100m of track had been replaced at five sites, and the work needed 300 tonnes of foundation materials and 600 tonnes of ballast. Some fencing also had to be replaced.
Grand Central investing in stations
OPEN ACCESS operator Grand Central is investing £2.6 million to upgrade some of the stations along its routes. Improvements are planned at Sunderland, Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Thirsk, Bradford Interchange, Brighouse and Wakefield Kirkgate.