Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Where am I this morning? 20th June 2026 In "The Lighter Side" [376233/32153/30] Posted by grahame at 22:56, 21st June 2026 |      |
Best of luck with this Heatwave..... 
Thank you, Chris. I have just boarded the midnight ferry. Some of the time was spend today on an out-and-back to Oristano in the knowledge the train would have a/c. Oristano was hot and largely closed because it was Sunday.
| Re: How would YOU solve CrossCountry ? In "Across the West" [376232/32138/26] Posted by grahame at 22:53, 21st June 2026 | |
That's simply because (with the exception of the Stanstead line, added later) it reflects where the available lines for express routes avoiding London are, namely Bristol or Cardiff to Basingstoke, Basingstoke to Reading, Oxford to Birmingham, Birmingham to Derby and Sheffield to Leeds or York.
If we'd had East/West via an Oxford-Cambridge link we might have had (and might still get) direct links between the South West and East Anglia.
If we'd had East/West via an Oxford-Cambridge link we might have had (and might still get) direct links between the South West and East Anglia.
You may also call the Swansea -> Portsmouth and Brighton service (as it was) Cross County, and Liverpool - Newcastle ... under GBR there is some logic to move things between logical divisions for today rather than for the last 30 years. Might add the Marches line too.
| Re: How would YOU solve CrossCountry ? In "Across the West" [376231/32138/26] Posted by eightonedee at 22:38, 21st June 2026 Already liked by trainbuff | |
Cross country serves a weird shaped network,
apologies for the map with graphics, but it's only one on their site that is roughly to scale rather than diagram form.
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/sites/default/files/basic_page_docs/12058264_illustrated_route_map_q4_2023_a4_-1.pdf
Now if compare that to UK population hubs then it's obvious that cross country network serves something operationally convenient rather than geographically sensible.
apologies for the map with graphics, but it's only one on their site that is roughly to scale rather than diagram form.
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/sites/default/files/basic_page_docs/12058264_illustrated_route_map_q4_2023_a4_-1.pdf
Now if compare that to UK population hubs then it's obvious that cross country network serves something operationally convenient rather than geographically sensible.
and
You can't get a Cross Country train from Plymouth to Essex and East Anglia
That's simply because (with the exception of the Stanstead line, added later) it reflects where the available lines for express routes avoiding London are, namely Bristol or Cardiff to Basingstoke, Basingstoke to Reading, Oxford to Birmingham, Birmingham to Derby and Sheffield to Leeds or York.
If we'd had East/West via an Oxford-Cambridge link we might have had (and might still get) direct links between the South West and East Anglia.
Cross Country is far more than an enhanced Birmingham suburban service. Choosing to go via London is at least a matter of choice (I've been grateful to avoid a TfL cross-London transfer on more than one occasion), and one of the things that has become clear to me, both from being a member of this forum and speaking to friends who do not use the railways as much as I do, is that changing trains is something many don't like doing or acts as a disincentive to using the train. And, having worked much of my career in Reading and Guildford, I've had a number of colleagues delighted to find that they can get to meetings in Manchester or Birmingham without the hassle of travelling across London.
I would mostly use the car for travel to Cambridge, Essex or East Anglia, but part of that was quite a bit of what I did involved clients based out of town centres or attending site visits in rural or suburban locations. But outside East Anglia, their network provides a number of links between the main commercial service centres which avoid London. There's also no shortage of either students or tourists on their trains. It ain't broke, but could do with another shot of investment like it got just after the turn of the century, when in consequence the Reading-Birmingham corridor was reported to have had the greatest increase in traffic of any UK rail route.
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376230/32151/51] Posted by JayMac at 22:35, 21st June 2026 | |
Speculation, but maybe the damage is such that a drag of the rail vehicles isn't possible.
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376229/32151/51] Posted by Oxonhutch at 22:29, 21st June 2026 | |
Most of these two trains are on the rail. Can someone in, or familiar with, the current rail industry explain why these damaged units cannot be recovered by rail.
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376228/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 22:12, 21st June 2026 | |
21:34 Swindon to Westbury due 22:16
21:34 Swindon to Westbury due 22:16 has been delayed at Swindon and is now 15 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
21:34 Swindon to Westbury due 22:16 has been delayed at Swindon and is now 15 minutes late.
This is due to train crew being delayed by service disruption.
| Re: Andy Burnham elected to parliament, with a strong transport reputation In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [376227/32149/40] Posted by JayMac at 21:46, 21st June 2026 | |
Someone seems to be looking forward to a new regime.......one would have thought however that the more honourable course of action for her to take if she's lost faith in the Leader who appointed her would be to resign herself, as others have?
https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/26212426.swindons-heidi-alexander-first-tell-starmer-go/
https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/26212426.swindons-heidi-alexander-first-tell-starmer-go/
Surely its better to have some continuity in government departments during a leadership contest, rather than the modern tory way of mass resignations forcing out a stubborn incumbent. Although that might change if Sir Keir fights on. Which is looking unlikely judging by the 'off the record' statements filltering through media politcal correspondents.
The new leader can then decide on their top team.
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376226/31355/51] Posted by John D at 21:00, 21st June 2026 | |
Blinds closed to keep sun out
Windows closed to keep heat out
Air Conditioning running in lounge and bedrooms, 21c in both, good investment 4 years ago
Dealing with heat is more a question of how much want to invest to continue reasonably normally in modern climate, than a question is it technically possible to do so. There are special labs for climate testing, and I believe there is one in Vienna for trains, can be tested from -50c to +60c far beyond temperature range needed in UK.
| Re: Where am I this morning? 20th June 2026 In "The Lighter Side" [376225/32153/30] Posted by ChrisB at 20:55, 21st June 2026 | |
Best of luck with this Heatwave.....
| Re: Andy Burnham elected to parliament, with a strong transport reputation In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [376224/32149/40] Posted by ChrisB at 20:49, 21st June 2026 | |
I understad that Louise Haig is helping to run his campaign....far better transport secretary IMV
| Re: Fewer trains in the South West when nationalised? In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [376223/32155/40] Posted by ChrisB at 20:48, 21st June 2026 | |
You seem to be referring to the old BR days.....surprise, surprise.
| Turing train cypher remains unsolved despite public appeal In "Across the West" [376222/32158/26] Posted by ChrisB at 20:41, 21st June 2026 | |
From RailUK
It’s been hidden on the side of a train for the past four years, so no wonder a secret code paying tribute to World War Two codebreaker Alan Turing has proved a tough nut to crack.
Great Western Railway last week launched a competition for would-be codebreakers to try to uncover the message before the anniversary of Turing’s birthday on 23 June.
The train operator named its popular ‘Trainbow’ Intercity Express Train after the pioneering computer scientist back in May 2022.
After revealing there was a secret message hidden within the livery on IET 800008, plenty of people have come forward with guesses and theories – but still the code is unbroken.
Some eagled-eyed participants have found the tribute to Turing’s school friend – ‘For his love of Christopher’ – but the main message is still to be cracked.
Now GWR is providing a further helping hand by revealing a third clue, which confirms the correct sequence of letters used in the hidden message.
The latest clue reads: “Remember the second clue (the palindrome 800008) and if you think there are too many ‘Z’s, make some SPACE – it may make things clearer!”
Bletchley Park Trust Research Historian, Dr David Kenyon, said: “It’s fitting that Alan Turing has been honoured in a way that reflects his extraordinary codebreaking skills and sheer determination. He and his colleagues at Bletchley Park faced problems that seemed genuinely unsolvable. Turing never shied away from a seemingly impossible problem and neither it seems is the public.”
GWR Head of External Communications, Dan Panes, added: “We knew we were setting people a proper challenge when we revealed there was a hidden message on the train. We’ve had lots of guesses and some very clever ideas, but so far nobody has cracked it.
“With Alan Turing’s birthday looming ever closer, we thought it was time to offer an extra clue to see if that helps someone finally unlock the mystery.”
Anyone who works out the message before 23 June will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five limited-edition commemorative coins produced to mark the train’s naming.
Best known for his work at Bletchley Park during the Second World War, Turing led the team responsible for breaking the German Naval Enigma code, intelligence work that proved crucial to the Allied war effort.
His groundbreaking contributions to mathematics and computer science laid the foundations for modern computing and artificial intelligence.
Turing is also remembered as an important figure in the history of LGBTQ+ rights. Convicted under laws that criminalised homosexuality, he was subjected to chemical castration and died in 1954 aged 41.
Following a public campaign, he received a posthumous Royal pardon in 2013. The subsequent ‘Turing’s Law’ legislation led to pardons for thousands of other men convicted under historical laws that criminalised same-sex relationships.
The train was named by members of Turing’s family at London Paddington, where GWR also unveiled its ‘Trainbow’ livery celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
First introduced in 2018, the rainbow-themed design continues to appear at Pride events across the network and reflects GWR’s support for LGBTQ+ colleagues, customers and communities.
Image credit: GWR
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376221/32151/51] Posted by ChrisB at 20:36, 21st June 2026 | |
From the BBC
Tributes to driver killed in Bedford train crash
The family of the driver killed in the Bedford train crash have said they are devastated by his death, while a union leader has called it heartbreaking.
Shaun Burton, 60, died following Friday's collision between two London-bound services, in which 100 people were injured.
In a tribute released by British Transport Police (BTP), his family said: "We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident."
Dave Calfe, general secretary of train driver union Aslef, said: "We are all heartbroken by the death of Shaun Burton, which leaves a hole in the lives of his family, friends and colleagues that will never be filled."
He said Burton had joined the railway "relatively late in life", having worked on buses and coaches before becoming a train driver seven years ago.
"He was dedicated to the job, devoted to his colleagues and enormously popular at his depot," Calfe continued.
"The railway family grieves his passing; no-one should go off to work in the morning and not come home."
[..../cont]
Network Rail said a "complex recovery operation" had begun to remove the damaged trains from the railway.
Engineers have started to build a temporary access road to allow them to use two 110-tonne rail-mounted cranes to lift the vehicles from the site.
Before that can be done, engineers must first dismantle the overhead power lines.
Once the trains have been removed, engineers will assess and repair any damage to the track before reinstating the overhead lines and carrying out final safety checks ahead of reopening the route.
The family of the driver killed in the Bedford train crash have said they are devastated by his death, while a union leader has called it heartbreaking.
Shaun Burton, 60, died following Friday's collision between two London-bound services, in which 100 people were injured.
In a tribute released by British Transport Police (BTP), his family said: "We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident."
Dave Calfe, general secretary of train driver union Aslef, said: "We are all heartbroken by the death of Shaun Burton, which leaves a hole in the lives of his family, friends and colleagues that will never be filled."
He said Burton had joined the railway "relatively late in life", having worked on buses and coaches before becoming a train driver seven years ago.
"He was dedicated to the job, devoted to his colleagues and enormously popular at his depot," Calfe continued.
"The railway family grieves his passing; no-one should go off to work in the morning and not come home."
[..../cont]
Network Rail said a "complex recovery operation" had begun to remove the damaged trains from the railway.
Engineers have started to build a temporary access road to allow them to use two 110-tonne rail-mounted cranes to lift the vehicles from the site.
Before that can be done, engineers must first dismantle the overhead power lines.
Once the trains have been removed, engineers will assess and repair any damage to the track before reinstating the overhead lines and carrying out final safety checks ahead of reopening the route.
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376220/32151/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:35, 21st June 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Tributes to driver killed in Bedford train crash
The family of the driver killed in the Bedford train crash have said they are devastated by his death, while a union leader has called it heartbreaking.
Shaun Burton, 60, died following Friday's collision between two London-bound services, in which 100 people were injured.
In a tribute released by British Transport Police (BTP), his family said: "We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident."
Dave Calfe, general secretary of train driver union Aslef, said: "We are all heartbroken by the death of Shaun Burton, which leaves a hole in the lives of his family, friends and colleagues that will never be filled."
He said Burton had joined the railway "relatively late in life", having worked on buses and coaches before becoming a train driver seven years ago.
"He was dedicated to the job, devoted to his colleagues and enormously popular at his depot," Calfe continued. "The railway family grieves his passing; no-one should go off to work in the morning and not come home."
(BBC article continues)
The family of the driver killed in the Bedford train crash have said they are devastated by his death, while a union leader has called it heartbreaking.
Shaun Burton, 60, died following Friday's collision between two London-bound services, in which 100 people were injured.
In a tribute released by British Transport Police (BTP), his family said: "We are devastated by his loss. Our thoughts are also with those affected by this incident."
Dave Calfe, general secretary of train driver union Aslef, said: "We are all heartbroken by the death of Shaun Burton, which leaves a hole in the lives of his family, friends and colleagues that will never be filled."
He said Burton had joined the railway "relatively late in life", having worked on buses and coaches before becoming a train driver seven years ago.
"He was dedicated to the job, devoted to his colleagues and enormously popular at his depot," Calfe continued. "The railway family grieves his passing; no-one should go off to work in the morning and not come home."
(BBC article continues)
| Re: Swindon <-> Westbury service updates and amendments, ongoing discussion - 2026 In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376219/31359/18] Posted by grahame at 18:56, 21st June 2026 | |
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Warminster and Salisbury.
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident.
17:44 Swindon to Salisbury due 18:55 will be terminated at Westbury.
It will no longer call at Warminster and Salisbury.
This is due to the emergency services dealing with an incident.
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376218/31355/51] Posted by JohnM at 18:25, 21st June 2026 | |
The Met Office is offering us here 37-39-38°C for the middle of the week. Gulp! I fear it's an offer I'm not allowed to refuse, either.
Only 39?
(although it's now dropped back to 33-37-39-39)
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376217/31355/51] Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:55, 21st June 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, Mark A | |
The previous highest temperature for June is 35.6 degrees. It seems likely that this record will be broken in the next few days,with 36 forecast for London.
Expect a bad week with extremes like that.
I would say with those temperatures even BBQs should probably be avoided.
| Re: Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026 In "Across the West" [376216/31163/26] Posted by TaplowGreen at 17:40, 21st June 2026 | |
Cancellations to services between Slough and London Paddington
Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Slough and London Paddington fewer trains are able to run on some lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376215/32151/51] Posted by ChrisB at 17:32, 21st June 2026 | |
Yep....but I think I can see trains running yesterday on RTT?
Sky News is reporting that the driver has been named - 60 year old Shaun Burton - RIP.
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376214/32151/51] Posted by Mark A at 17:15, 21st June 2026 | |
To those not familiar with the route, there's not much information there. I should be able to recall two return trips on it, but the first time I was concussed and the second time was under canvas on a canal and ducking out from some very poor weather - I've no recollection of either trip though I can remember returning to the canal and retrieving said canvas.
Realtimetrains has more, shows the line continuing to be operated by a single carriage 150 with one service cancelled mid Saturday afternoon owing to 'Disorder'.
It's a six days a week service so no trains Bletchley-Bedford today, and wasn't the line south of Bedford already booked to be closed and bustituted to allow engineering works?
Mark
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376213/32151/51] Posted by ChrisB at 16:48, 21st June 2026 | |
Wonder what happens with the Bedford - Bletchley service in these circumstances.
From Bedford to Bletchley Rail Users' Association Facebook yesterday
Services appear to be restored this morning (Saturday).
| Chippenham Railway Station and cycle parking In "Active travel: Cyclists and walkers, including how the railways deal with them" [376212/32157/50] Posted by Mark A at 16:41, 21st June 2026 | |
I'm eating worms as I've no photo of it yet - outside the station, a capacious glass box with two level cycle parking, about 98% empty - but then this *was* a Sunday of a bank holiday. Is it well used at other times? And the racks look to be rather prescriptive as to the sort of cycles they'll accommodate, but perhaps they're ok for the likes of 20" by 2.15" wheel shopper bikes, or children's bikes etc.
Mark
| Re: Looking forward on the line through Melksham - some updates and thoughts In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376211/32152/18] Posted by Mark A at 16:36, 21st June 2026 | |
There must be a good read somewhere on why railway stations do not necessarily catalyse good supporting infrastructure and development - occasionally their approaches end up as awkward as possible, while urban development around them proceeds in a curious way too, and then more recently opportunities have sometimes been squandered by railway land disposals. Sometimes this will be down to geography but not every time. Melksham provides a selection of woes in this regards, starting with connections on foot, the transition from 'Freight handling facilities' to 'Accessibility on foot' hasn't (yet) gone well.
Mark
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376210/32151/51] Posted by Mark A at 16:26, 21st June 2026 | |
Wonder what happens with the Bedford - Bletchley service in these circumstances.
Mark
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376209/32151/51] Posted by grahame at 16:05, 21st June 2026 | |
lift the trains and carriages
Aren't they the same thing - or have I missed something?
| Re: Looking forward on the line through Melksham - some updates and thoughts In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376208/32152/18] Posted by grahame at 16:03, 21st June 2026 | |
Is Melksham Station actually in the right position for the town and a potential for integrated transport, buses etc.? A better possible location is south of the current site between Asda and Pets' Corner replacing the shopping block that parallels the railway. There the platforms could be lengthened to accommodate all trains - nay, even doubled !
That idea was laughed "out of court" when I suggested it prior to the existing platform being lengthened. "Too late" apparently - Melksham Station stays where it is.
My view was that when the platform was being lengthened it should be to the south of the A365 overbridge, or at least that idea should be given very serious consideration. It would be a few yards from the supermarket car park which includes a dedicated bus pull in area for buses headed towards both Bath and Chippenham, and for terminating town bus service too. I also saw it as being far more welcoming not being in the back of an industrial estate, and being accessible via a level light controlled pedestrian crossing rather than a subway which is noe far better, but many people still choose not to use and risk life and limb on the road. Former siding space on railway land here is more generous too - so it could even fit one of those rather ghastly long sloped bridges such as you see at Ashchurch and Worle.
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376207/32151/51] Posted by JayMac at 14:56, 21st June 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
The line is likely to remain closed well into next week.
A press release from Network Rail about alternative travel arrangements, and their recovery and repair operation.
Sunday 21 June 2026
Media statement: Bedford train crash – essential travel only as passengers warned to expect disruption for the majority of next week
Rail passengers planning to travel through Bedford next week are being warned by the rail industry to expect disruption to train services until the end of next week (28 June) and to only travel on this route if their journey is essential.
Following an incident on Friday (19 June) involving a collision between two East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains in the Bedford area, in which an EMR driver sadly died and many passengers were injured, the railway is expected to remain closed between Bedford and Luton for the rest of the week.
As a result, there will be no GTR services north of Luton and no EMR services south of Bedford, with a limited rail replacement bus service in operation between Luton and Bedford.
Journey planning apps and websites are being updated to reflect these changes and may take a few hours to do so. Customers are advised to check live travel updates before they travel.
For as long as the Midland Mainline is closed at Bedford, train operators are accepting tickets for EMR customers. For customers whose journey is affected, tickets will be accepted on any alternative route. If customers decide to travel on EMR once the line is reopened, their connecting ticket on other operators also will be valid on that other day too.
East Midlands Railways (EMR)
No EMR services will run between Bedford and London St Pancras. Trains that usually start and terminate at London St Pancras will start and terminate at Bedford instead. From Monday, EMR will operate a reduced service on our Intercity and Connect routes, although Regional services will remain unaffected.
EMR Intercity and Connect services will operate one train per hour in each direction:
- One train per hour between Sheffield and Bedford, calling at Chesterfield, Derby, Long Eaton, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough,
Leicester, Market Harborough, Kettering and Bedford.
- One train per hour between Nottingham and Bedford, calling at Beeston, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough, Leicester, Market
Harborough, Kettering, Wellingborough and Bedford.
- One train per hour between Corby and Kettering.
Rail Replacement buses will be provided in each direction as follows:
- One direct bus per hour between Kettering and Luton (departing on the hour).
- One bus per hour between Kettering and Luton Airport Parkway, calling at Wellingborough, Bedford and Luton (departing on the hour).
EMR Luton Airport Express services will not run whilst the recovery operation continues. Passengers travelling between Luton Airport Parkway and London St Pancras in either direction may use their ticket at no extra cost on Thameslink services. For passengers travelling between Luton Airport Parkway and stations to or from the North, Rail Replacement Buses will operate between Luton Airport Parkway and Luton/Bedford/Kettering. Connections are available at Bedford and Kettering for services towards Sheffield or Nottingham.
For the latest EMR travel information please visit https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/service-updates
Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR)
From Monday, north of London St Pancras, Thameslink will run a limited service as far as Luton only. Thameslink and Great Northern will have in place ticket acceptance for EMR customers.
People should travel only if absolutely necessary. There will be no trains between Bedford and Luton, and only limited rail replacement buses. Elsewhere, north of London St Pancras on Thameslink, there will be:
- Four trains an hour to and from Luton during peak hours.
- Two trains an hour to and from Luton outside of peak hours.
- Eight trains an hour from London to St Albans during peak hours.
- Six trains an hour from London to St Albans outside of peak hours.
The following limited rail replacement buses will run from Monday:
- Bedford to Luton Airport Parkway and back, calling at Luton only (shuttle every 30 mins).
- Bedford to Luton and back, calling at Flitwick, Harlington and Leagrave (shuttle every 15 mins in the peak and every 30 mins in the off-
peak).
- GTR will also have extra staff on hand at key stations along the route to help and support customers with their journeys.
For more information on Thameslink services, please visit https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/service-updates/service-updates
Recovery operation
A complex recovery operation has begun to remove the damaged trains and carriages from the railway before engineers assess any damage and complete necessary repairs. The Overhead Line Equipment – the electrical wires that provide power to the electric trains – must be removed while a temporary access road and concrete foundation is constructed to support the operation of a crane.
Two 110 tonne rail-mounted Kirow Cranes will then lift the trains and carriages from the site before a road-mounted crane moves them onto a low loader – a heavy-duty, specialised trailer designed to carry extremely heavy equipment – to be transported away by road. Following this, engineers will then assess the track and make any repairs before reinstating the overhead lines and completing final safety checks ahead of reopening the railway.
Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said: "First and foremost, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with the family, friends and colleagues of our driver who tragically lost their life. We are also thinking of those who were injured, their loved ones, and all colleagues and customers affected by this incident. I would also like to thank our teams on the ground and the emergency services again for all their efforts.
"We are working closely with Network Rail and Thameslink to support those involved and assist with the ongoing recovery. Whilst this complex operation is underway, we ask that customers only travel on EMR’s Intercity and Connect services if essential. Please check before you travel.
"As the recovery progresses, we will continue to provide updates and encourage customers to check our dedicated webpage for details. EMR will not be able to operate any rail services between Bedford and London St Pancras this week. Our Regional routes remain unaffected. We appreciate our customers' patience as we work with our industry partners to restore services."
Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer for GTR, which operates Thameslink, said: "It has been an incredibly difficult time for the whole railway family, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident, particularly the family, friends and colleagues of the person who has tragically died, and all those who have been injured.
"We recognise the impact this tragic incident will have on our customers' journeys in the days ahead, and we're working closely with East Midlands Railway and Network Rail to reopen the line as soon as it’s safe to do so. We're asking anyone planning to travel on the Midland Main Line on Monday to only make essential journeys while this work continues.
"For customers who do need to make journeys, we’re boosting the number of our colleagues at stations to help them, and customers should check before they travel and allow extra time. We're grateful for our customers' patience as we and our industry partners do everything we can to get services back to normal."
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail Eastern regional managing director, said: "The past two days have been incredibly tough for everyone involved in this incident and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the friends, family and colleagues of the train driver who tragically lost their life as well as the passengers who have been impacted by this incident.
"Colleagues from across the rail industry are working together at pace to remove the trains and carriages from the railway and complete the repairs to the tracks. This is a complex and challenging task and our teams will be working tirelessly to reopen the railway so we can resume services between Bedford and London.
"While investigations are still at an early stage, current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident. We are focused on the safe reopening of the railway and getting services running as quickly as possible.
"During this time, our message to passengers is clear – please expect disruption to services through this area for the majority of next week and only travel if absolutely necessary."
Media statement: Bedford train crash – essential travel only as passengers warned to expect disruption for the majority of next week
Rail passengers planning to travel through Bedford next week are being warned by the rail industry to expect disruption to train services until the end of next week (28 June) and to only travel on this route if their journey is essential.
Following an incident on Friday (19 June) involving a collision between two East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains in the Bedford area, in which an EMR driver sadly died and many passengers were injured, the railway is expected to remain closed between Bedford and Luton for the rest of the week.
As a result, there will be no GTR services north of Luton and no EMR services south of Bedford, with a limited rail replacement bus service in operation between Luton and Bedford.
Journey planning apps and websites are being updated to reflect these changes and may take a few hours to do so. Customers are advised to check live travel updates before they travel.
For as long as the Midland Mainline is closed at Bedford, train operators are accepting tickets for EMR customers. For customers whose journey is affected, tickets will be accepted on any alternative route. If customers decide to travel on EMR once the line is reopened, their connecting ticket on other operators also will be valid on that other day too.
East Midlands Railways (EMR)
No EMR services will run between Bedford and London St Pancras. Trains that usually start and terminate at London St Pancras will start and terminate at Bedford instead. From Monday, EMR will operate a reduced service on our Intercity and Connect routes, although Regional services will remain unaffected.
EMR Intercity and Connect services will operate one train per hour in each direction:
- One train per hour between Sheffield and Bedford, calling at Chesterfield, Derby, Long Eaton, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough,
Leicester, Market Harborough, Kettering and Bedford.
- One train per hour between Nottingham and Bedford, calling at Beeston, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough, Leicester, Market
Harborough, Kettering, Wellingborough and Bedford.
- One train per hour between Corby and Kettering.
Rail Replacement buses will be provided in each direction as follows:
- One direct bus per hour between Kettering and Luton (departing on the hour).
- One bus per hour between Kettering and Luton Airport Parkway, calling at Wellingborough, Bedford and Luton (departing on the hour).
EMR Luton Airport Express services will not run whilst the recovery operation continues. Passengers travelling between Luton Airport Parkway and London St Pancras in either direction may use their ticket at no extra cost on Thameslink services. For passengers travelling between Luton Airport Parkway and stations to or from the North, Rail Replacement Buses will operate between Luton Airport Parkway and Luton/Bedford/Kettering. Connections are available at Bedford and Kettering for services towards Sheffield or Nottingham.
For the latest EMR travel information please visit https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/service-updates
Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR)
From Monday, north of London St Pancras, Thameslink will run a limited service as far as Luton only. Thameslink and Great Northern will have in place ticket acceptance for EMR customers.
People should travel only if absolutely necessary. There will be no trains between Bedford and Luton, and only limited rail replacement buses. Elsewhere, north of London St Pancras on Thameslink, there will be:
- Four trains an hour to and from Luton during peak hours.
- Two trains an hour to and from Luton outside of peak hours.
- Eight trains an hour from London to St Albans during peak hours.
- Six trains an hour from London to St Albans outside of peak hours.
The following limited rail replacement buses will run from Monday:
- Bedford to Luton Airport Parkway and back, calling at Luton only (shuttle every 30 mins).
- Bedford to Luton and back, calling at Flitwick, Harlington and Leagrave (shuttle every 15 mins in the peak and every 30 mins in the off-
peak).
- GTR will also have extra staff on hand at key stations along the route to help and support customers with their journeys.
For more information on Thameslink services, please visit https://www.thameslinkrailway.com/service-updates/service-updates
Recovery operation
A complex recovery operation has begun to remove the damaged trains and carriages from the railway before engineers assess any damage and complete necessary repairs. The Overhead Line Equipment – the electrical wires that provide power to the electric trains – must be removed while a temporary access road and concrete foundation is constructed to support the operation of a crane.
Two 110 tonne rail-mounted Kirow Cranes will then lift the trains and carriages from the site before a road-mounted crane moves them onto a low loader – a heavy-duty, specialised trailer designed to carry extremely heavy equipment – to be transported away by road. Following this, engineers will then assess the track and make any repairs before reinstating the overhead lines and completing final safety checks ahead of reopening the railway.
Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said: "First and foremost, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences remain with the family, friends and colleagues of our driver who tragically lost their life. We are also thinking of those who were injured, their loved ones, and all colleagues and customers affected by this incident. I would also like to thank our teams on the ground and the emergency services again for all their efforts.
"We are working closely with Network Rail and Thameslink to support those involved and assist with the ongoing recovery. Whilst this complex operation is underway, we ask that customers only travel on EMR’s Intercity and Connect services if essential. Please check before you travel.
"As the recovery progresses, we will continue to provide updates and encourage customers to check our dedicated webpage for details. EMR will not be able to operate any rail services between Bedford and London St Pancras this week. Our Regional routes remain unaffected. We appreciate our customers' patience as we work with our industry partners to restore services."
Louis Rambaud, Chief Customer Officer for GTR, which operates Thameslink, said: "It has been an incredibly difficult time for the whole railway family, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident, particularly the family, friends and colleagues of the person who has tragically died, and all those who have been injured.
"We recognise the impact this tragic incident will have on our customers' journeys in the days ahead, and we're working closely with East Midlands Railway and Network Rail to reopen the line as soon as it’s safe to do so. We're asking anyone planning to travel on the Midland Main Line on Monday to only make essential journeys while this work continues.
"For customers who do need to make journeys, we’re boosting the number of our colleagues at stations to help them, and customers should check before they travel and allow extra time. We're grateful for our customers' patience as we and our industry partners do everything we can to get services back to normal."
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail Eastern regional managing director, said: "The past two days have been incredibly tough for everyone involved in this incident and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the friends, family and colleagues of the train driver who tragically lost their life as well as the passengers who have been impacted by this incident.
"Colleagues from across the rail industry are working together at pace to remove the trains and carriages from the railway and complete the repairs to the tracks. This is a complex and challenging task and our teams will be working tirelessly to reopen the railway so we can resume services between Bedford and London.
"While investigations are still at an early stage, current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident. We are focused on the safe reopening of the railway and getting services running as quickly as possible.
"During this time, our message to passengers is clear – please expect disruption to services through this area for the majority of next week and only travel if absolutely necessary."
| Re: Looking forward on the line through Melksham - some updates and thoughts In "TransWilts line - Swindon, Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge, Westbury, Salisbury" [376206/32152/18] Posted by Oxonhutch at 14:52, 21st June 2026 | |
Is Melksham Station actually in the right position for the town and a potential for integrated transport, buses etc.? A better possible location is south of the current site between Asda and Pets' Corner replacing the shopping block that parallels the railway. There the platforms could be lengthened to accommodate all trains - nay, even doubled !
| Re: Two East Midlands Railway trains collide near Bedford, 19th June 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [376205/32151/51] Posted by grahame at 14:24, 21st June 2026 | |
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cewq0eggg4lo
Ellie Burrows, Network Rail Eastern regional managing director, added: "This is a complex and challenging task, and our teams will be working tirelessly to reopen the railway so we can resume services between Bedford and London.
"While investigations are still at an early stage, current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident."
"While investigations are still at an early stage, current indications are that this was a tragic, isolated incident."
| Re: Where am I this morning? 20th June 2026 In "The Lighter Side" [376204/32153/30] Posted by stuving at 13:01, 21st June 2026 | |
Yes, Antibes. The one before is at La Bastide-St. Laurent-les-Bains while we waited to pass the train going the other way.
Antibes turned out to be a real gem - see my Facebook post
Antibes turned out to be a real gem - see my Facebook post
I think I recall, vaguely, being in Antibes at least once - but that was going for dinner with a group of others from a meeting at Sophia Antipolis. Someone else was driving, so I have no idea where we went, but Antibes struck me favourably too, and as quite villagey - if that's possible with so many visitors.
