Most of Great Britain's major rail operators are back in public hands - is it working?

https://www.theguardian.com/business/ng-interactive/2025/oct/13/most-of-great-britains-major-rail-operators-are-back-in-public-hands-is-it-working

#Transport #Business #UK

🇯🇵⦵ #Tokyo Metro has unveiled a roundel donated by #Transport for #London (TfL) at Ueno Station on the Ginza Line, marking the historic links between the Tokyo and London Underground networks ahead of the #Japanese subway’s 100th anniversary in 2027.

The ceremony was attended by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, Tokyo Metro President Akihiro Kosaka and TfL Commissioner Andy Lord. The roundel, designed in the London style with the station name “UENO”, will become a permanent installation in 2027.

Japan’s first subway opened between Ueno and Asakusa on 30 December 1927, inspired by founder Noritsugu Hayakawa’s observations of London’s transport system. The relationship between the two cities’ #metro networks has continued, with Tokyo Metro now involved in operating the Elizabeth line in the #UK.
https://www.tokyometro.jp/lang_en/news/224586.html

Are you going to buy one?

The Slate Truck’s price may have leaked, starts at $24,950

These include a slightly less powerful electric motor for the rear wheels—now 181 hp (135 kW) instead of 201 hp (150 kW), but a tow rating that’s been doubled to 2,000 lbs (907 kg).

#EV #Transport

https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/06/the-slate-trucks-price-may-have-leaked-starts-at-24950/

東海道・山陽新幹線 Supreme Class

私はプライベートで東京へ行くとき、あらかじめ予定がはっきりしている限り飛行機を利用するというのはつい先日も書いたところですが、東京-大阪間などを移動する場合には新幹線を選ぶことが多いのではないでしょうか。特に企業の出張の場合には直前に決まることが多いというのもあるかもしれませんが、時間的ロスの少ない新幹線の方が一般的かと思いますし、私も勤務先の出張であれば新幹線を利用します。

その東海道・山陽新幹線について、上級クラス座席としてSupreme Class (スプリームクラス)が10月1日からサービス開始されることが発表されました(PDF)。従来のグリーン車のさらに上のクラスとして提供されるもので、鍵のかかる個室タイプの「Cabin (キャビン)」と、仕切りのみの半個室タイプ「Seat (シート)」の2種類があるとのことです。

これはJR東日本の新幹線で提供されている「グランクラス」に刺激されて生まれたものかもしれませんが、グランクラスよりもさらに高級志向のサービスとなっているのではないでしょうか。路線が異なるので比較は難しいのですが、グランクラスの東京・金沢間の運賃込みの料金が軽食や飲み物のサービスありで27500円ほどなのに対し、スプリームクラスの東京・新大阪間のキャビンは1名用が42100円、2名利用可のキャビンでは60500円と、だいぶ大きな差があります。シートの方の料金はまだ公開されていませんが、グリーン車との差を考えると3万円台にはなるのではないでしょうか。しかし、通常のグリーン車の4席分ほどの空間を占有するようなので、それでも割安に感じてしまうというか、JRにとってはあまり稼ぎにならないような気がします。

私はグリーン車も利用したことがないので、こんな上位の座席を利用することはないだろうと思いますが、飛行機でファーストクラスを利用しているようなVIPにはこれまで適した座席がなく、グリーン車を1両貸し切るくらいしかなかったところにちょうどいい設定なのでしょうか。また、芸能人などのためには人目に触れずに移動できて良いかもしれません。でもそうなると、駅のプラットフォームでも特別な対応が求められそうなものですが、専用ゲートやラウンジなどのサービスは用意されていないようです。

なお、7月最後の週末に抽選で体験乗車できるイベントが予定されており、申込可能となっています。私も申し込んでみましたが、合計24名のみということなので、期待はしていません。また、座席を体験できるのは30分程度のみということなので、見るべきポイントをあらかじめ考えておかないとあっという間に終わってしまいそうです。もしも当選すればブログのいいネタになるのですが、私が見るのであれば、シートの作りや個室の遮音性、透明ガラスアンテナを採用した専用Wi-Fiの性能、実際のPC作業のしやすさ、などでしょうか。

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🚉 #ScotRail has achieved a 92 per cent customer satisfaction score in the first independent six-monthly Rail Customer Experience Survey (October 2025 to March 2026), ranking among the highest-performing train operators in Great #Britain.

The survey by independent watchdog Transport Focus found more than nine in ten passengers were satisfied with their journeys, with ScotRail exceeding the national average for overall satisfaction, punctuality, ticket buying, stations and on-board experience.

The results follow ScotRail being named Public Transport Operator of the Year at the #Scottish #Transport Awards 2026. The operator said the figures reflected the commitment of staff across #Scotland, while maintaining a focus on improving services.
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/scotrail-continues-deliver-high-levels-customer-satisfaction

🇪🇬 An Alstom-led consortium, including Rowad Modern Engineering and Concrete Plus, has signed four contracts worth around €690 million with #Egyptian National #Railways to modernise the 6th of October–Alexandria corridor and the Belbes–10th of Ramadan (B10) line. The projects support #Egypt Vision 2030 by improving connectivity and freight efficiency.

The €550 million 6th of October–Alexandria scheme will introduce digital signalling, upgraded #telecommunications, stronger power systems and track improvements, cutting journey times by nearly 80 minutes while improving safety, capacity and reliability. The €140 million B10 project will deliver similar upgrades, strengthening links to a major industrial zone. The works are expected to boost #trade, ease supply chain pressures and support sustainable #freight #transport, with around 50% local content.
https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/6/alstom-led-consortium-signed-eur690-million-contracts-modernise-egypts-strategic-rail-corridors

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has published its report into the collision between two #Transport for #Wales trains near Talerddig, Powys, on 21 October 2024. The crash occurred when an Aberystwyth-bound service failed to stop at a passing loop and entered a single-track section occupied by an approaching train. One passenger died, four people were seriously injured and 23 others suffered minor injuries.

The investigation found the accident was caused by low wheel-to-rail adhesion, failures in the train’s sanding systems and an approach speed that reduced braking effectiveness. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch made nine recommendations covering train equipment, overrun protection, rail maintenance, driver training, passenger safety and emergency preparedness.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/report-082026-collision-between-two-passenger-trains-near-talerddig

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 #ScotRail has been recognised for its approach to safeguarding, security and public protection after achieving 94 per cent in the latest Safer #Railway Scheme assessment by the #British #Transport Police and Department for Transport.

The assessment highlighted ScotRail’s work on tackling violence against women and girls, suicide prevention, public protection, partnership working and staff welfare.

The accreditation coincides with Rail Safety Week (15–21 June), during which ScotRail is encouraging passengers to “travel well, travel safe” as summer travel increases.

As part of its Fit for Summer campaign, the operator is urging customers to plan ahead, drink responsibly, stay hydrated in hot weather and seek assistance if they feel unwell before travelling. Passengers who need help at stations are advised to speak to staff or use help points.

ScotRail said safety remains its top priority and highlighted its partnership work across Scotland’s railway network.
https://www.scotrail.co.uk/about-scotrail/news/scotrail-recognised-safety-standards