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Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,UK,England,English,TransPennine Express,route,routes,Diesel,network,north,TPE,to,Cleethorpes,train,trains,evening,service,at,Merseyside,main line,station,TOC,public,transport,DfT,diesel,passenger,poor,compliant,complaints,platform,timetables,track,rail,rails
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2T19PFR - Taken on 11 Oct 2023, this photograph shows Northern Powerhouse East to West Diesel DMU 185134 TPE to Cleethorpes train evening service at Lime St, Liverpool, Merseyside main line station. The location is Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK, L1 1JD. The picture is not just a record shot: it contains platform, concourse or service signage details that place the railway scene in a real working transport environment. It could support features on pubs, beer, leisure, nightlife, tourism, heritage streets, local economies, independent hospitality and the pressures facing town-centre venues. For image buyers, the value is in the combination of recognisable subject, readable wording, location evidence and a plain documentary style that can be dropped into news, magazine, web, council, housing, transport, heritage or commercial commentary without looking over-produced. Searchable related phrases include Trans Pennine Express, 185134, DMU, East to West, Northern Powerhouse, NetworkNorth, Liverpool, Lime Street, dusk, night, English, TransPennine Express, plus wider ideas such as local identity, public realm, urban detail, social history, commercial change, everyday Britain, documentary photography and place-based storytelling. The composition gives designers scope for captions, page furniture, social media crops, report covers and article thumbnails, while the detailed captioning makes it more discoverable for searches using both specific place names and broader themes. It also has a useful contemporary feel, because it shows how long-standing places, policies, products or institutions are encountered by ordinary people in daily life. Further SEO-friendly usage could include local services, town-centre change, heritage branding, British social history, public infrastructure, consumer behaviour, community identity and documentary evidence for newsletters, blogs, pol.
Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK, L1 1JD
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,UK,England,English,TransPennine Express,route,routes,Diesel,network,north,TPE,to,Cleethorpes,train,trains,evening,service,at,Merseyside,main line,station,TOC,public,transport,DfT,diesel,passenger,poor,compliant,complaints,platform,timetable,delay,repay
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2T19PG0 - Taken on 11 Oct 2023, this photograph shows Northern Powerhouse East to West Diesel DMU 185134 TPE to Cleethorpes train evening service at Lime St, Liverpool, Merseyside main line station. The location is Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK, L1 1JD. The picture is not just a record shot: it contains platform, concourse or service signage details that place the railway scene in a real working transport environment. It could support features on pubs, beer, leisure, nightlife, tourism, heritage streets, local economies, independent hospitality and the pressures facing town-centre venues. For image buyers, the value is in the combination of recognisable subject, readable wording, location evidence and a plain documentary style that can be dropped into news, magazine, web, council, housing, transport, heritage or commercial commentary without looking over-produced. Searchable related phrases include Trans Pennine Express, 185134, DMU, East to West, Northern Powerhouse, NetworkNorth, Liverpool, Lime Street, dusk, night, English, TransPennine Express, plus wider ideas such as local identity, public realm, urban detail, social history, commercial change, everyday Britain, documentary photography and place-based storytelling. The composition gives designers scope for captions, page furniture, social media crops, report covers and article thumbnails, while the detailed captioning makes it more discoverable for searches using both specific place names and broader themes. Because the subject is clearly labelled or visually distinctive, it can also work well in search-led usage where the buyer needs immediate recognition at small web-preview size. Further SEO-friendly usage could include local services, town-centre change, heritage branding, British social history, public infrastructure, consumer behaviour, community identity and documentary evidence for newsletters,.
Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK, L1 1JD
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,UK,Surrey,Station Approach,Guildford,GU1 4UT,GU1,railway,station,rail,stations,BR,British,platforms,services,route,routes,train,trains,passenger,subsidy,TOC,fare,fares,increase,Portsmouth Direct Line,London Waterloo,line,commuters,GBC,town,centre,Waterloo line,lines
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2RBXAR6 - Guildford railway station is at one of three main railway junctions on the Portsmouth Direct Line and serves the town of Guildford in Surrey, England. It is 30 miles 27 chains (30.34 mi
48.8 km) down the line from London Waterloo via Woking.
It provides an interchange station for two other railway lines: the North Downs Line northwards towards Reading, which has a connection to Aldershot
the same line eastwards to Redhill
and the New Guildford Line, the alternative route to London Waterloo, via Cobham or Epsom.
Guildford station is the larger, more frequently and more diversely served of the two stations in Guildford town centre, the other being London Road (Guildford) on the New Guildford Line
The station was opened by the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) on 5 May 1845,[2] but was substantially enlarged and rebuilt in 1880.
The station was completely rebuilt (except for the platforms) by British Rail in the late 1980s.
Platform 1 Bay platform for stopping services to London Waterloo via Epsom or Cobham
Platform 2 Stopping services to London Waterloo via Cobham
Platform 3 Stopping services to London Waterloo via Woking [Small number of weekday services. Otherwise Sundays only]
Platform 4 Fast and stopping services towards Portsmouth
semi-fast services to Gatwick Airport
Platform 5 Fast services to London Waterloo
Platform 6 Stopping services to Redhill and services to Ascot or Farnham via Aldershot depart from either this platform or platform 8
Platform 7 Platform not in use
Platform 8 Services to Reading. Services to Ascot via Aldershot depart from either this platform or platform 6.
Guildford Railway Station, Station Approach, Guildford, Surrey, England, UK, GU1 4UT
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Cheshire,train,England,UK,rail,public,WCML,West Coast,westcoast,mainline,main line,TOC,train operating company,Avanti West Coast,390124,CW2 6HR,CW2,Nantwich Road,Crewe,class 390,EMU,red,light,pulled,service,red light,red lights,signal,signals,coach,carriage,carriages,British Rail,Class 390,trenitalia,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R8T9G6 - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that operates the West Coast Partnership.
During November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced the InterCity West Coast franchise would be replaced by the West Coast Partnership (WCP). In August 2019, the DfT awarded the WCP franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium. On 8 December 2019, Avanti West Coast took over operations from the prior operating company Virgin Trains, which had run the franchise since 1997. Originally, the franchise was initially scheduled to run until March 2030, and had also been set to operate the initial High Speed 2 services from 2026. However, during December 2020, it was announced that First Trenitalia and the DfT had agreed to terminate the WCP franchise at the earlier date of 31 March 2026 as part of the abolition of the franchise system. Since then a number of contract changes have taken place due to COVID-19 and then poor performance by the company. As of March 2023, the company's contract will expire in October 2023.
Between 14 August and 18 September 2022, Avanti West Coast reduced its timetable, citing unofficial strike action from its employees. However, this allegation was disputed by Aslef, which accused the company of lying and blamed their lack of recruitment, especially of train drivers, for the problems. Trains were running at one service per hour on the majority of routes, as opposed to the three which would typically occur on the London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly route. Following these changes, Avanti West Coast was subject to public criticism
news stories emerged of numerous train cancellations, overcrowded services, delays, and expensive fares. Many commuters faced difficulties reaching their destinations on the reduced services and some travellers have been left to wait for to two days before travel for tickets to be released for sale
Nantwich Road, Crewe, Cheshire, England, UK, CW2 6HR
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Cheshire,train,England,UK,rail,public,West Coast,westcoast,mainline,main line,TOC,train operating company,390124,CW2 6HR,CW2,Nantwich Road,Crewe,class 390,EMU,service,coach,carriage,carriages,British Rail,Class 390,lead,first,group,firstgroup,overhead,cable,cables,Angel Trains,electric train,trenitalia,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R8T9G7 - The British Rail Class 390 Pendolino is a type of electric high-speed passenger train operated by Avanti West Coast in the United Kingdom, leased from Angel Trains. They are electric multiple units using Fiat Ferroviaria's tilting train Pendolino technology and built by Alstom. Fifty-three units were originally built between 2001 and 2004 for operation on the West Coast Main Line (WCML). They were ordered as eight-car units, later extended to nine cars, of which some were then lengthened further to 11 cars. These new 11-car trains were renumbered as the subclass 390/1. The trains of the original batch were the last to be assembled at Alstom's Washwood Heath plant, before its closure in 2005. The remaining trains in the fleet were built in Italy.
The Class 390 Pendolino is one of the fastest domestic electric multiple units operating in Britain, with a design speed of 140 mph (225 km/h)
however, limitations to track signalling systems restrict the trains to a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h) in service. The fleet is maintained at Longsight TMD near Manchester Piccadilly station.
From 2021, a refurbishment program to upgrade the fleet to as new condition was begun, involving conversion of one first-class carriage to standard class to increase capacity, power plugs and new customer information screens among other upgrades
Nantwich Road, Crewe, Cheshire, England, UK, CW2 6HR
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,centre,train,carriage,platform,North West,Northern Powerhouse,BR,public,railways,Northern,TOC,EMU,electric,electrified,electrification,M1,M1 6FU,service,wet,on,a,rainy,at,trains,system,transport,passengers,commuter,commuters,rain,closed,doors,departing,late,on time,cancelled,services
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2PMT9RK - . Northern train service, EMU - Electric Multiple Unit, on a rainy platform, at Manchester stock-photo/gotonysmith-Oxford.html?sortBy=relevant&pseudoid=237DAF28-A4ED-4448-8173-C0E81ABEEC6F Target=_Blank>Oxford Road railway station, England, UK, M1 6FU. Photographed on 14 April 2023, this spring image records the subject in its real-world setting and provides a contemporary visual reference for the place, activity, object or organisation shown. The recorded location is Manchester Oxford Road railway station, England, UK, M1 6FU, adding precise geographical context for editorial, documentary, travel and local-history searches. Key searchable subjects associated with the scene include train, carriage, platform, North West, Northern Powerhouse, public, railways, Northern, TOC, EMU, electric, electrified, providing natural SEO coverage without losing the specific documentary identity of the photograph. Transport context makes the photograph useful for stories about rail travel, passenger journeys, stations and interchanges, public transport investment, regional connectivity and the everyday experience of moving through the UK rail network. Railway architecture, passenger facilities, route identity, signage and operational infrastructure are important documentary themes, particularly as stations and services are modernised or altered over time. The transport setting gives the image wider relevance to mobility, infrastructure, roads and public transport, travel behaviour, local connectivity, logistics and the relationship between vehicles and the built environment. It can illustrate planning, transport policy, accessibility, congestion, public investment and the changing technologies and services used to move people or goods. The frame provides a detailed documentary record of the subject as it appeared at the time of photography, preserving the surrounding context as well as the principal feature. It is a useful stock image for publishers, researchers and picture editors seeking a clearly identified contemporary record of the subject and location.
Manchester Oxford Road railway station, England, UK, M1 6FU
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,centre,train,carriage,platform,North West,Northern Powerhouse,BR,public,railways,Northern,TOC,EMU,electric,electrified,electrification,M1,M1 6FU,service,wet,on,a,rainy,at,trains,system,transport,passengers,commuter,commuters,wait,waiting,busy,rain,late,on time,cancelled,services
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2PMT9W2 - . Northern train service, EMU - Electric Multiple Unit, on a rainy platform, at Manchester Oxford Road railway station, England, UK, M1 6FU. Photographed on 14 April 2023, this spring image records the subject in its real-world setting and provides a contemporary visual reference for the place, activity, object or organisation shown. The recorded location is Manchester Oxford Road railway station, England, UK, M1 6FU, adding precise geographical context for editorial, documentary, travel and local-history searches. Key searchable subjects associated with the scene include train, carriage, platform, North West, Northern Powerhouse, public, railways, Northern, TOC, EMU, electric, electrified, providing natural SEO coverage without losing the specific documentary identity of the photograph. Transport context makes the photograph useful for stories about rail travel, passenger journeys, stations and interchanges, public transport investment, regional connectivity and the everyday experience of moving through the UK rail network. Railway architecture, passenger facilities, route identity, signage and operational infrastructure are important documentary themes, particularly as stations and services are modernised or altered over time. The transport setting gives the image wider relevance to mobility, infrastructure, roads and public transport, travel behaviour, local connectivity, logistics and the relationship between vehicles and the built environment. It can illustrate planning, transport policy, accessibility, congestion, public investment and the changing technologies and services used to move people or goods. The frame provides a detailed documentary record of the subject as it appeared at the time of photography, preserving the surrounding context as well as the principal feature. Its value is both descriptive and editorial, allowing the scene to illustrate news, features, local history, travel, social change and retrospective comparison.
Manchester Oxford Road railway station, England, UK, M1 6FU
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,worse,railway,TOC,in,Britain,a,service,through,to,failure,platform,passenger,passengers,services,unreliable,poor,frustration,frustrating,stop,signal,Station Approach,Oxford Rd,M1,Manchester,FirstGroup,First Group,last-minute,schedule changes,given,up,abandoned,using,the,train,city,centres,unreliability
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2R0MKGY - TransPennine Express awaits contract decision amid poor service record
Customers say lives upended by ripped up schedules and woeful performance. More at https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/may/09/transpennine-express-awaits-contract-decision-amid-poor-service-record
Once, it seemed like a good idea to live in the Pennines and commute by train. Susannah Simmons, a violinist at Opera North, moved to Marsden for quick and easy access to her work in Leeds and Manchester. The service was far from perfect but satisfactory, she says. But for at least the past year nearly all trains I would have used have been cancelled or delayed, forcing me to drive everywhere.
Like countless others, her life has been upended by ripped-up schedules and woeful performance of TransPennine Express.
Ministers are expected to announce this week whether the operator will be replaced or awarded a fresh deal potentially for up to eight years.
Expectations are that TPE, owned by London-listed First Group the only remaining British transport firm operating passenger trains on the UK's privatised railway - will be given another chance to turn operations around, with a short extension of six to 12 months when its contract expires on 28 May.
But train failures are a potent political issue in the north. The announcement was withheld until after the local elections and the results of last week's vote and the potential for further backlash in red wall seats have given ministers further pause before renewing First's contract, according to a source close to the process.
MPs and mayors across the north have urged the government to get a grip after the operator's abysmal record of delayed, disrupted and cancelled services whose true extent was only officially confirmed after the regulator warned firms against concealing last-minute schedule changes.
Station Approach, Oxford Rd, Manchester, England, UK, M1 6FU
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,England,UK,train,rail,railway,station,mainline,main,line,platform,platforms,TPE,engine,802203,bi,mode,multiple,unit,blue,new,livery,Merseyside,L1 1JD,L1,transport,public,Northern Powerhouse,NPR,TOC,First,limited,delays,poor,service,services,strike,worst,cancellations
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2MGPE89 - TransPennine Express (TPE), legally First TransPennine Express Limited, is a British train operating company owned by FirstGroup that operates the TransPennine Express franchise. It runs regional and inter-city rail services between the major cities and towns of Northern England and Scotland.
The franchise operates almost all its services to and through Manchester covering three main routes. The service provides rail links for major towns and cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Sheffield, Hull, Leeds, York, Scarborough, Middlesbrough and Newcastle. TPE run trains 24 hours a day, including through New Year's Eve night. TPE trains run between York, Leeds and Manchester Airport at least every three hours every night of the week. The franchise operates across the West Coast Main Line, Huddersfield Line, East Coast Main Line and part of the Tees Valley line.
TransPennine Express was one of several train operators impacted by the 2022 United Kingdom railway strike, which was the first national rail strike in the UK for three decades. Its workers were amongst those who participated in industrial action due to a dispute over pay and working conditions
On 26/01/2023, the boss of under-fire train company Transpennine Express has apologised to passengers and admitted services have not been good enough.
Transpennine, which operates across the North of England and into Scotland, has been cancelling trains on a daily basis for months, disrupting many journeys.
Calls have been made for the company to lose its contract for the service.
Matthew Golton, managing director of Transpennine, told the BBC the operator had a recovery plan to do better.
The government has previously said action will be taken if the company can't be turned round.
Asked about Transpennine cancelling 40% of its services last week, Mr Golton said: It isn't good enough.
Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK, L1 1JD
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Scotland,UK,Edinburgh,EH1,rail,capital,service,services,public,transport,city,centre,EH1 3EG,engine,EMU,electric,mainline,800108,TOC,RMT,ASLEF,at,platform,R,British Rail,Class,800,Intercity,Express,train,bi-mode,biMode,multiple unit,Hitachi,AT300,IET
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2KRXR2A - The British Rail Class 800 Intercity Express Train or Azuma is a type of bi-mode multiple unit train built by Hitachi for Great Western Railway and London North Eastern Railway. The type uses electric motors powered from overhead electric wires for traction, but also has diesel generators to enable trains to operate on unelectrified track. It is a part of the Hitachi AT300 product family.
The Class 800 was produced under the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) as a replacement for the Intercity 125 and Intercity 225 fleets of high speed trains. The trains were manufactured by Hitachi between 2014 and 2018, assembly being performed at the Hitachi Newton Aycliffe facility, alongside the related Class 801, from bodyshells shipped from the Kasado plant in Japan
no body construction takes place in the UK. As well as resembling the Class 801, the units are also very similar to the Class 802 units, which have uprated diesel engines and larger fuel tanks.
Waverley railway station, Edinburgh city centre, Scotland, UK, EH1 3EG
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Scotland,UK,Edinburgh,EH1,rail,capital,service,services,public,transport,city,centre,EH1 3EG,engine,EMU,electric,mainline,800108,TOC,RMT,ASLEF,at,platform,R,British Rail,Class,800,Intercity,Express,train,bi-mode,biMode,multiple unit,Hitachi,AT300,IET
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2KRXR47 - The British Rail Class 800 Intercity Express Train or Azuma is a type of bi-mode multiple unit train built by Hitachi for Great Western Railway and London North Eastern Railway. The type uses electric motors powered from overhead electric wires for traction, but also has diesel generators to enable trains to operate on unelectrified track. It is a part of the Hitachi AT300 product family.
The Class 800 was produced under the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) as a replacement for the Intercity 125 and Intercity 225 fleets of high speed trains. The trains were manufactured by Hitachi between 2014 and 2018, assembly being performed at the Hitachi Newton Aycliffe facility, alongside the related Class 801, from bodyshells shipped from the Kasado plant in Japan
no body construction takes place in the UK. As well as resembling the Class 801, the units are also very similar to the Class 802 units, which have uprated diesel engines and larger fuel tanks.
Waverley railway station, Edinburgh city centre, Scotland, UK, EH1 3EG
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,UK,EMR,Railway,TOC,Midlands,company,train,trains,night,platform,at,on,operator,of the,East Midlands,franchise,DMU,GBR,Great British Railways,Diesel,multiple,unit,Warrington central station,Cheshire,WA1,integrated,transport,public,fare,increase,increases,RMT,strike,driver,staff,salary
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2KG3KCW - . This scene at Warrington central station, Cheshire, England,UK,WA1 in 2022 forms part of the visual history of the locality, documenting the named subject together with aspects of how the area looked and functioned at the time. The image documents EMR - Abellio East Midland Regional Railway TOC, operator of the East Midlands franchise DMU at Warrington central station, Cheshire, England,UK,WA1. The image also relates to rail mobility, railway branding, urban rail transport, period detail, historical comparison, community identity, passenger railway, rail infrastructure, changing land use, public transport network, documentary photography, before-and-after reference, social history, and station environment. In present-day coverage, the subject reaches into accessibility and integrated transport, not least because of the archival value of railway branding and infrastructure as operators change. For later comparison, the photograph preserves street furniture and boundaries at Warrington central station, Cheshire, England,UK,WA1, details that may look very different after replacement signage. Further associations within the scene are visual archive, public realm, mass transit, archival record, regional identity, changing streetscape, rail corridor, and local history. The recorded references to Regional, operator, central, station, and Midlands preserve clues about how the subject was presented, used or understood at the time. The wider setting at Warrington central station, Cheshire, England,UK,WA1 matters because ordinary visual details often provide the strongest evidence of how a place actually looked and functioned. The setting also helps illustrate accessibility and the archival value of railway branding and infrastructure as operators change as part of the longer story of Warrington central station, Cheshire, England,UK,WA1. The scene captures a point of historical comparison for later comparison.
Warrington central station, Cheshire, England,UK,WA1
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,UK,Cheshire,WA1,train,rail,main line,1LW,stations,west Coast,railway,platform,service,electrified,TOC,First,transport,public,FirstGroup,and,Trenitalia,welcome,arrive,arrival,North West,Northern Powerhouse,trains,engine,carriage,carriages,EMU,electric,fast,intercity,inter-city
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2KG41TD - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that operates the West Coast Partnership.
During November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced the InterCity West Coast franchise would be replaced by the West Coast Partnership (WCP). In August 2019, the DfT awarded the WCP franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium. On 8 December 2019, Avanti West Coast took over operations from the prior operating company Virgin Trains, which had run the franchise since 1997. Originally, the franchise was initially scheduled to run until March 2030, and had also been set to operate the initial High Speed 2 services from 2026. However, during December 2020, it was announced that First Trenitalia and the DfT had agreed to terminate the WCP franchise at the earlier date of 31 March 2026 as part of the abolition of the franchise system. Since then a number of contract changes have taken place due to COVID-19 and then poor performance by the company. As of March 2023, the company's contract will expire in October 2023.
Between 14 August and 18 September 2022, Avanti West Coast reduced its timetable, citing unofficial strike action from its employees. However, this allegation was disputed by Aslef, which accused the company of lying and blamed their lack of recruitment, especially of train drivers, for the problems. Trains were running at one service per hour on the majority of routes, as opposed to the three which would typically occur on the London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly route. Following these changes, Avanti West Coast was subject to public criticism
news stories emerged of numerous train cancellations, overcrowded services, delays, and expensive fares. Many commuters faced difficulties reaching their destinations on the reduced services and some travellers have been left to wait for to two days before travel for tickets to be released for sale
Bank Quay, railway station, Warrington , Cheshire, England, UK,WA1
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,UK,Cheshire,WA1,train,rail,main line,1LW,stations,west Coast,railway,platform,service,electrified,TOC,First,transport,public,FirstGroup,and,Trenitalia,welcome,arrive,arrival,North West,Northern Powerhouse,trains,engine,carriage,carriages,EMU,electric,fast,intercity,inter-city
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2KG4252 - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that operates the West Coast Partnership.
During November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced the InterCity West Coast franchise would be replaced by the West Coast Partnership (WCP). In August 2019, the DfT awarded the WCP franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium. On 8 December 2019, Avanti West Coast took over operations from the prior operating company Virgin Trains, which had run the franchise since 1997. Originally, the franchise was initially scheduled to run until March 2030, and had also been set to operate the initial High Speed 2 services from 2026. However, during December 2020, it was announced that First Trenitalia and the DfT had agreed to terminate the WCP franchise at the earlier date of 31 March 2026 as part of the abolition of the franchise system. Since then a number of contract changes have taken place due to COVID-19 and then poor performance by the company. As of March 2023, the company's contract will expire in October 2023.
Between 14 August and 18 September 2022, Avanti West Coast reduced its timetable, citing unofficial strike action from its employees. However, this allegation was disputed by Aslef, which accused the company of lying and blamed their lack of recruitment, especially of train drivers, for the problems. Trains were running at one service per hour on the majority of routes, as opposed to the three which would typically occur on the London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly route. Following these changes, Avanti West Coast was subject to public criticism
news stories emerged of numerous train cancellations, overcrowded services, delays, and expensive fares. Many commuters faced difficulties reaching their destinations on the reduced services and some travellers have been left to wait for to two days before travel for tickets to be released for sale
Bank Quay, railway station, Warrington , Cheshire, England, UK,WA1
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,UK,Cheshire,WA1,train,rail,main line,1LW,stations,west Coast,railway,platform,service,electrified,TOC,First,transport,public,FirstGroup,and,Trenitalia,welcome,arrive,arrival,North West,Northern Powerhouse,trains,engine,carriage,carriages,EMU,electric,fast,intercity,inter-city,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2KG42GG - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that operates the West Coast Partnership.
During November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced the InterCity West Coast franchise would be replaced by the West Coast Partnership (WCP). In August 2019, the DfT awarded the WCP franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium. On 8 December 2019, Avanti West Coast took over operations from the prior operating company Virgin Trains, which had run the franchise since 1997. Originally, the franchise was initially scheduled to run until March 2030, and had also been set to operate the initial High Speed 2 services from 2026. However, during December 2020, it was announced that First Trenitalia and the DfT had agreed to terminate the WCP franchise at the earlier date of 31 March 2026 as part of the abolition of the franchise system. Since then a number of contract changes have taken place due to COVID-19 and then poor performance by the company. As of March 2023, the company's contract will expire in October 2023.
Between 14 August and 18 September 2022, Avanti West Coast reduced its timetable, citing unofficial strike action from its employees. However, this allegation was disputed by Aslef, which accused the company of lying and blamed their lack of recruitment, especially of train drivers, for the problems. Trains were running at one service per hour on the majority of routes, as opposed to the three which would typically occur on the London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly route. Following these changes, Avanti West Coast was subject to public criticism
news stories emerged of numerous train cancellations, overcrowded services, delays, and expensive fares. Many commuters faced difficulties reaching their destinations on the reduced services and some travellers have been left to wait for to two days before travel for tickets to be released for sale
Bank Quay, railway station, Warrington , Cheshire, England, UK,WA1
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,UK,Cheshire,WA1,train,rail,main line,1LW,stations,west Coast,railway,platform,service,electrified,TOC,First,transport,public,FirstGroup,and,Trenitalia,welcome,arrive,arrival,North West,Northern Powerhouse,trains,engine,carriage,carriages,EMU,electric,fast,intercity,inter-city,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2KG44GP - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that operates the West Coast Partnership.
During November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced the InterCity West Coast franchise would be replaced by the West Coast Partnership (WCP). In August 2019, the DfT awarded the WCP franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium. On 8 December 2019, Avanti West Coast took over operations from the prior operating company Virgin Trains, which had run the franchise since 1997. Originally, the franchise was initially scheduled to run until March 2030, and had also been set to operate the initial High Speed 2 services from 2026. However, during December 2020, it was announced that First Trenitalia and the DfT had agreed to terminate the WCP franchise at the earlier date of 31 March 2026 as part of the abolition of the franchise system. Since then a number of contract changes have taken place due to COVID-19 and then poor performance by the company. As of March 2023, the company's contract will expire in October 2023.
Between 14 August and 18 September 2022, Avanti West Coast reduced its timetable, citing unofficial strike action from its employees. However, this allegation was disputed by Aslef, which accused the company of lying and blamed their lack of recruitment, especially of train drivers, for the problems. Trains were running at one service per hour on the majority of routes, as opposed to the three which would typically occur on the London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly route. Following these changes, Avanti West Coast was subject to public criticism
news stories emerged of numerous train cancellations, overcrowded services, delays, and expensive fares. Many commuters faced difficulties reaching their destinations on the reduced services and some travellers have been left to wait for to two days before travel for tickets to be released for sale
Bank Quay, railway station, Warrington , Cheshire, England, UK,WA1
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,transport,rail,direct award,franchise agreement,Bayswater,London,England,UK,train,one,1,clock,TOC,performance,delays,profits,profit,RMT,ASLEF,south west,services,chaos,strike,strikes,timetable,changes,GBR,Great British Railways,cancelled,cancelations,Network Rail,iconic sleek design,battery hybrid,Hitachi,rolling stock,GWR,public ownership
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K7NBHA - . Recorded at Paddington mainline railway Station, Bayswater, London, England, UK in 2022, the image fixes a recognisable subject and its environment at one point in time, giving later viewers a reliable basis for comparison. The subject captured here is Trains at platform one, Paddington Station, Bayswater, London, England, UK. The subject also carries associations with station environment, passenger railway, commuter travel, regional identity, trackside heritage, archival record, visual archive, urban rail transport, social history, rail mobility, before-and-after reference, changing land use, community identity, and local history. The wider contemporary story combines station investment, accessibility and the role of public transport in reducing congestion and emissions. Small period details of materials and architectural details at Paddington mainline railway Station, Bayswater, London, England, UK may become more significant with time, particularly following changed technology. The subject also sits alongside regional rail, integrated transport, changing streetscape, railway branding, transport interchange, contemporary social history, rail modernisation, and public realm. The recorded references to Bayswater, Station, Trains, platform, and Paddington preserve clues about how the subject was presented, used or understood at the time. The period setting at Paddington mainline railway Station, Bayswater, London, England, UK helps place the main subject within real social and physical surroundings rather than isolating it as an abstract object. Its period value extends to station investment and the role of public transport in reducing congestion and emissions within the specific setting of Paddington mainline railway Station, Bayswater, London, England, UK. The image fixes evidence of changing use as part of Paddington mainline railway Station, Bayswater, London, England, UK's history.
Paddington mainline railway Station, Bayswater, London, England, UK
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Cheshire,England,UK,station,train,trains,Paxman,Diesel,loco,power,car,VP185,43081,BR,British Rail,British,railways,group,TOC,at,Heritage,centre,CW1,8000,engine,built,livery,Crewe Railway Age,systems,locos,locomotive,brand,branding
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JX2TW6 - The British Rail Class 43 (HST) is the TOPS classification used for the InterCity 125 High Speed Train (formerly Classes 253 and 254) power cars, built by British Rail Engineering Limited from 1975 to 1982, and in service in the UK since 1976.
The class is officially the fastest diesel locomotive in the world, with an absolute maximum speed of 148.5 mph (239.0 km/h), and a regular service speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). The record run was led by 43102 (43302) and trailed by 43159
In the early 1970s, the British Railways Board made the decision to replace its main-line express diesel traction. Financial limitations were tight, so mass electrification was not possible. As a result, a new generation of high-speed diesel trains had to be developed.
Angel stock-photo/gotonysmith-Trains.html?sortBy=relevant&pseudoid=237DAF28-A4ED-4448-8173-C0E81ABEEC6F Target=_Blank>Trains donated 43018 to Crewe Heritage Centre following its use as a spares donor for Abellio ScotRail. Porterbrook also donated 43081, the 8,000th locomotive built at Crewe, to the museum in 2021. Porterbrook donated 43048 and 43089 to the 125 Group. Both moved to the group when their lease ended with East Midlands Railway. The group later purchased 43044 from Porterbrook in 2021, with 43159 being donated in June that year
Porterbrook is a British rolling stock company (ROSCO), created as part of the privatisation of British Rail. Together with Angel Trains and Eversholt Rail Group, it is one of the three original ROSCOs.
Crewe,Cheshire,England,UK, CW1 2DB
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Cheshire,England,UK,station,train,trains,in,drivers,driver,Anglia,for,BR,British Rail,electric,engine,preserved,engines,Greater Anglia,TOC,Train Operating Company,franchise,86/2,end cab,James Mather,English Electric,Vulcan,Foundry,1965,built,as,E3192,Newton-Le-Willows,Newton Le Willows
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JX2W1W - . This dated editorial view of Crewe,stock-photo/gotonysmith-Cheshire.html?sortBy=relevant&pseudoid=237DAF28-A4ED-4448-8173-C0E81ABEEC6F Target=_Blank>Cheshire,England,UK in 2022 captures more than the immediate subject, retaining clues about local use, design, activity and change. The photograph centres on Greater Anglia cab, for 86247, BR class 86 electric engine, built 1965, preserved at Crewe, Cheshire, England, UK, CW1. The surrounding context encompasses public realm, rail corridor, station environment, trackside history, changing streetscape, regional identity, rail operations, place identity, freight wagon, signal-box architecture, archival record, period detail, visual archive, and social history. Current relevance extends to signalling technology and heritage conservation, particularly through how Crewe's identity remains tied to railway engineering and operations. As a dated visual record of Crewe,Cheshire,England,UK, the frame retains materials and architectural details, making it especially useful if later reinterpretation subsequently changes the scene. A second descriptive layer includes contemporary social history, historical comparison, working railway heritage, local history, industrial railway, mechanical signalling, changing land use, and historic rolling stock. Details involving built, class, preserved, engine, and Greater make the image more specific than a generic view and strengthen its local or historical value. Around Crewe,Cheshire,England,UK, apparently routine details can become historically useful once businesses close, buildings change use or familiar features disappear. The location additionally provides evidence of signalling technology and the importance of preserving signal boxes and rolling stock as industrial heritage within the real-world context of Crewe,Cheshire,England,UK. A further contemporary connection is regional connectivity and how Crewe's identity remains tied to railway engineering and operations within the specific setting of Crewe,Cheshire,England,UK.
Crewe,Cheshire,England,UK
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,class195,public,transport,TOC,train operating company,service,services,CAF,passenger train,train,at,Manchester,passenger,DMU,Manchester Victoria,blue,livery,Eversholt Rail Group,Northern Trains,ROSCO,old,feature,features,historic,heritage,train station,train stations,indoors,inside,interior,brickwork,poor,shocking,delays,delayed
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JY55K6 - . Photographed at Victoria Station Approach, Manchester, stock-photo/gotonysmith-England.html?sortBy=relevant&pseudoid=237DAF28-A4ED-4448-8173-C0E81ABEEC6F Target=_Blank>England, UK, M3 1WY in 2022, this detailed documentary image records the subject within its real surroundings and preserves a specific stage in the life of the location. The defining feature is CAF Northern train at Manchester Victoria station, 195133 Civity diesel multiple-unit passenger train. The subject also carries associations with signal-box architecture, public transport stop, changing land use, local bus network, mechanical signalling, rail corridor, local mobility, community identity, visual archive, roadside transit, documentary photography, public-transport wayfinding, before-and-after reference, and industrial railway. In present-day coverage, the subject reaches into railway preservation and network modernisation, not least because of the importance of preserving signal boxes and rolling stock as industrial heritage. Today's relevance is strengthened by local connectivity, decarbonisation and the continuing question of how local bus services affect access to work, education and healthcare. For later comparison, the photograph preserves commercial use and occupation at Victoria Station Approach, Manchester, England, UK, M3 1WY, details that may look very different after changing commercial priorities. The wider setting retains connections with station environment, social history, local history, rail infrastructure, historic rolling stock, freight wagon, transport accessibility, and trackside history. Details involving Civity, station, 195133, Manchester, and Victoria make the image more specific than a generic view and strengthen its local or historical value. For Victoria Station Approach, Manchester, England, UK, M3 1WY, the photograph contributes to a cumulative visual history in which changes in use, signs, access and appearance can be traced over time. The scene captures details of everyday use as a date-specific reference.
Victoria Station Approach, Manchester, England, UK, M3 1WY
--Station-Rd-South--Padgate--Warrington--Cheshire--England--UK--WA2-0QS-2JRR067.jpg)
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,UK,town,centre,WA2,village,Northern,trains,TOC,Station Rd South,transport,Friends of Padgate Station,community,group,carry out,chip shop,Plaice Station,chippy,takeaway,fish & chip shop,chipshop,local,rail,train,BR,British Rail,history,historic,award,art,preserved,brick,built,fish and chips,on,the,station
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JRR067 - . Recorded at Station Rd South, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA2 0QS in 2022, the image fixes a recognisable subject and its environment at one point in time, giving later viewers a reliable basis for comparison. The main point of reference is Padgate railway station platform Plaice Station (Northern trains), Station Rd South, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA2 0QS. Other connected aspects include railway heritage, heritage-led regeneration, social history, built heritage, town-centre renewal, archival record, documentary photography, mixed-use redevelopment, before-and-after reference, rail operations, signal-box architecture, industrial railway, public-realm investment, and rail infrastructure. The wider contemporary story combines railway preservation, regional connectivity and the contrast between mechanical railway systems and digital signalling. Viewed from the mid-2020s, the subject also connects with planning, town-centre regeneration and the tension between preserving local character and creating modern commercial space. Small period details of equipment and working practice at Station Rd South, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA2 0QS may become more significant with time, particularly following replacement signage. The location also brings in everyday life, rail corridor, trackside history, contemporary social history, historical comparison, working railway heritage, changing streetscape, and historic townscape. Elements such as Plaice, railway, Northern, station, and trains add documentary specificity and may become increasingly useful when compared with later records. A later view of Station Rd South, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA2 0QS may show a very different setting, increasing the value of this precise record of its earlier appearance and activity. The image fixes period character before later change alters the scene.
Station Rd South, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA2 0QS
--Station-Rd-South--Padgate--Warrington--Cheshire--England--UK--WA2-0QS-2JRR06D.jpg)
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,UK,town,centre,WA2,village,Northern,trains,TOC,Station Rd South,transport,art,award,Friends of Padgate Station,community,group,Plaice Station,chippy,chipshop,chip shop,fish & chip shop,takeaway,carry out,local,rail,train,BR,British Rail,history,historic,preserved,brick,built
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JRR06D - . Recorded at Station Rd South, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA2 0QS in 2022, the image fixes a recognisable subject and its environment at one point in time, giving later viewers a reliable basis for comparison. The main point of reference is Padgate railway station platform Plaice Station (Northern trains), Station Rd South, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA2 0QS. Another layer of the photograph includes visual archive, public-realm investment, signal-box architecture, before-and-after reference, archival record, contemporary social history, rail infrastructure, freight wagon, everyday life, town-centre renewal, commercial redevelopment, place identity, public realm, and mechanical signalling. Current relevance extends to rail reform and railway preservation, particularly through the importance of preserving signal boxes and rolling stock as industrial heritage. In present-day coverage, the subject reaches into construction costs and commercial viability, not least because of how regeneration tries to create reasons to visit traditional town centres. Future viewers can use this scene from Station Rd South, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA2 0QS to compare street furniture and boundaries with whatever follows after conservation work. Further associations within the scene are trackside history, station environment, regional identity, changing streetscape, local character, adaptive reuse, railway heritage, and rail corridor. Details involving trains, Plaice, Northern, platform, and station make the image more specific than a generic view and strengthen its local or historical value. For Station Rd South, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA2 0QS, the photograph contributes to a cumulative visual history in which changes in use, signs, access and appearance can be traced over time. Image 2JRR06D also remains a dated record of Station Rd South, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA2 0QS.
Station Rd South, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire, England, UK, WA2 0QS
Description
Keywords: London,GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,UK,terminus,infrastructure,intercity,trains,N1,rail,station,TOC,train,TOCs,railway,inside,waiting,area,ARUP,open,air,plaza,engineered by Arup,tubular,structure,architecture,building,latticed,extension,western concourse,transport,hub,iconic,public,travelling,travellers,busy,departure
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K16AT4 - King's Cross railway station, also known as London King's Cross, is a passenger railway terminus in the London Borough of Camden, on the edge of Central London. It is in the London station group, one of the busiest stations in the United Kingdom and the southern terminus of the East Coast Main Line to North East England and Scotland. Adjacent to King's Cross station is St Pancras International, the London terminus for Eurostar services to continental Europe. Beneath both main line stations is King's Cross St Pancras tube station on the London Underground
combined they form one of the country's largest and busiest transport hubs
The £500 million restoration plan announced by Network Rail in 2005 was approved by Camden London Borough Council in 2007. It involved restoring and reglazing the original arched train shed roof and removing the 1972 extension at the front of the station and replacing it with an ARUP designed open-air plaza. The steel structure of the roof, engineered by Arup, has been described as being like some kind of reverse waterfall, a white steel grid that swoops up from the ground and cascades over your head
Kings Cross station, Euston Rd, London , England, UK, N1 9AL
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,England,UK,clock,tower,terminus,rail,station,railway,LNER,nature,TOC,TOCs,infrastructure,N1,contrast,intercity,trains,train,London,ECML,RMT union,interchange,history,historic,workers,railway station,strike,KingsX,architecture,Architect,London Borough of Camden,Camden,pano,panorama,Euston Road
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K16AT7 - King's Cross railway station, also known as London King's Cross, is a passenger railway terminus in the London Borough of Camden, on the edge of Central London. It is in the London station group, one of the busiest stations in the United Kingdom and the southern terminus of the East Coast Main Line to North East England and Scotland. Adjacent to King's Cross station is St Pancras International, the London terminus for Eurostar services to continental Europe. Beneath both main line stations is King's Cross St Pancras tube station on the London Underground
combined they form one of the country's largest and busiest transport hubs
The £500 million restoration plan announced by Network Rail in 2005 was approved by Camden London Borough Council in 2007. It involved restoring and reglazing the original arched train shed roof and removing the 1972 extension at the front of the station and replacing it with an ARUP designed open-air plaza. The steel structure of the roof, engineered by Arup, has been described as being like some kind of reverse waterfall, a white steel grid that swoops up from the ground and cascades over your head
Kings Cross station, Euston Rd, London , England, UK, N1 9AL
Description
Keywords: HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,England,UK,public,transport,Lancs,Lancashire,rail,buses,bus,station,town,Bolton,service,Northern,TOC,modern,links,BL1,Newport St,Greater Manchester,BL1 1PF,Bee Network,Public,interchange,interchanges,infrastructure,getting around,train,commuting,commuters,travel travelling,info,information
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K0RC5H - Bolton Interchange is a transport interchange combining Bolton railway station and Bolton Bus Station in the town of Bolton in Greater Manchester, England. The station is located on the Manchester to Preston line and the Ribble Valley line, and is managed by Northern Trains. The station is 11+1⁄4 miles (18.1 km) north west of Manchester Piccadilly. Ticket gates have been in operation at the station since 2016.
The railway station was originally named Bolton Trinity Street to differentiate it from nearby Bolton Great Moor Street station which closed in 1954. The station was also known as Bridgeman Street Station and Bradford Square Station.
From the railway station, there are frequent services to Manchester Victoria, Manchester Piccadilly, Clitheroe via Blackburn, Wigan North Western, and Preston. Services operating to Victoria and Piccadilly operate through and terminate at other regional stations, such as Manchester Airport and Stalybridge. There is 1 train per weekday from Southport to Leeds. There is no return service.
The entrance and ticket office are at street level, at which there is a footbridge to the bus station and a taxi rank. A walkway leads to the platforms which are in a cutting. The main island platform has a buffet. The original main station building was demolished in the 1980s, but the Victorian buildings survive on the platforms. The clock tower was dismantled and rebuilt next to the new station
Newport St, Bolton, Greater Manchester, England, UK, BL1 1PF
Description
Keywords: HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,England,UK,public,transport,Lancs,Lancashire,rail,buses,bus,station,town,Bolton,service,Northern,TOC,modern,links,BL1,Newport St,Greater Manchester,BL1 1PF,Bee Network,Public,interchange,interchanges,infrastructure,getting around,train,commuting,commuters,travel travelling,info,information
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K0RC5M - Bolton Interchange is a transport interchange combining Bolton railway station and Bolton Bus Station in the town of Bolton in Greater Manchester, England. The station is located on the Manchester to Preston line and the Ribble Valley line, and is managed by Northern Trains. The station is 11+1⁄4 miles (18.1 km) north west of Manchester Piccadilly. Ticket gates have been in operation at the station since 2016.
The railway station was originally named Bolton Trinity Street to differentiate it from nearby Bolton Great Moor Street station which closed in 1954. The station was also known as Bridgeman Street Station and Bradford Square Station.
From the railway station, there are frequent services to Manchester Victoria, Manchester Piccadilly, Clitheroe via Blackburn, Wigan North Western, and Preston. Services operating to Victoria and Piccadilly operate through and terminate at other regional stations, such as Manchester Airport and Stalybridge. There is 1 train per weekday from Southport to Leeds. There is no return service.
The entrance and ticket office are at street level, at which there is a footbridge to the bus station and a taxi rank. A walkway leads to the platforms which are in a cutting. The main island platform has a buffet. The original main station building was demolished in the 1980s, but the Victorian buildings survive on the platforms. The clock tower was dismantled and rebuilt next to the new station
Newport St, Bolton, Greater Manchester, England, UK, BL1 1PF
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Merseyrail train carriage,yellow livery,Southport underground line,Liverpool South Parkway,Merseyside,England,UK,Liverpool,train,Mersey,rail,railway,carriage,Southport,line,city,region,centre,750V,DC,third rail,electrified,lines,EMU,stations,joint venture,JV,Serco,Abellio,TOC,Train operating company,privatised,fleet,of,trains,British Rail,PR8
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2JHPYF0 - Merseyrail is a commuter rail network serving the Liverpool City Region and adjacent areas of Cheshire and Lancashire. Merseyrail operates 68 railway stations across two lines the Northern Line and Wirral Line, which are dedicated 750 V DC third rail electrified lines that serve underground stations in the centres of Liverpool and Birkenhead. Merseyrail branding is also applied to stations and 'shared' services on the City Line, which are within the Liverpool City Region but operated by other train operating companies. The City Line services operate on the Liverpool to Manchester Lines and the Liverpool to Wigan Line using a mix of AC electric and diesel trains.
The Merseyrail third rail network has 68 stations and 75 miles (121 km) of track, of which 6.5 miles (10.5 km) are underground. It carries approximately 110,000 passengers each weekday, or 34 million passengers per year
The first part of the urban network was opened in 1977 by merging separate rail lines by constructing new tunnels under Liverpool city centre and Birkenhead. The full 1970s plans for the network were not realised, but the network has been extended on its peripheries with additional extensions proposed. The extensions were created by electrifying existing lines and then transferring the electrified sections into Merseyrail.
Merseyrail is operated for Merseytravel by 50:50 joint venture Serco-Abellio, who superseded Arriva Trains Merseyside in 2003. The 25-year contract expires in 2028.As of 2015, Serco-Abellio operates a fleet of 59 trains and employs 1,200 people
Services on the electrified Merseyrail network are operated by British Rail Class 507 and Class 508 electric multiple unit trains (EMUs). These replaced pre-war Class 502 (originally constructed by the LMS) and similar Class 503 EMUs. There are 57 trains in service on the network.
Liverpool South Parkway interchange, Holly Farm Rd, Garston, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK, L1
Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,Northern Powerhouse,North West,England,UK,scrapping return rail tickets,RMT,ASLEF,train,approach,Manchester,Greater Manchester,M60 7RA,Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road Capacity Scheme,Network Rail,Northern Powerhouse Rail,NPR,Victorian,shed,platform,platforms,TfGM,carriage,carriages,service,track,TPE,Trans-Pennine-Express,&,trains,at,First TransPennine Express,Limited,FirstGroup,franchise,TOC,DMU,railway
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2J92PEN - . Photographed at Piccadilly Train Station Approach, Greater Manchester, England, UK, M60 7RA in 2022, this detailed editorial image records the subject within its real surroundings and preserves a specific stage in the life of the location. At the centre of the view is TPE, Trans-Pennine-Express & Avant West Coast trains at Piccadilly NPR train station, public transport rail services from Manchester. The locality and subject together evoke archival record, before-and-after reference, historical comparison, railway heritage, transport interchange, changing streetscape, station environment, local character, urban change, rail infrastructure, city-centre activity, pedestrian environment, industrial railway heritage, and community identity. From a 2025-onward perspective, reliability and rail reform are closely linked to this subject, alongside how historic rolling stock documents the industrial railway. The wider contemporary story combines community use, local identity and how ordinary street scenes become valuable records as businesses and infrastructure change. The archival value lies partly in recording street furniture and boundaries around Piccadilly Train Station Approach, Greater Manchester, England, UK, M60 7RA before new ownership alters the character of the place. Further associations within the scene are visual archive, freight wagon, documentary photography, local history, social history, public realm, place identity, and rail mobility. References to public, train, trains, station, and Piccadilly give the picture a strong period identity and tie it closely to its named subject. The period setting at Piccadilly Train Station Approach, Greater Manchester, England, UK, M60 7RA helps place the main subject within real social and physical surroundings rather than isolating it as an abstract object. The view records a point of historical comparison for future local research.
Piccadilly Train Station Approach, Greater Manchester, England, UK, M60 7RA
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,HotpixUK,TOC,train operating company,WCML,transport,public,Passenger Charter,passenger,Victoria Square,House,Birmingham,First TrainItalia,ltd,late trains,cancelled trains,Avanti West Coast Delay Repay Cheques,repayment for late and cancelled trains,repayments,Delay Repay,cheque,Cheques,repayment,for,late and cancelled trains,FirstGroup,PLC,delay,rail,train,December 2019,delay compensation,UK,legally entitled,to,compensation,Getting a refund for a cancelled or delayed train,tickets,travel
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2BEYC16 - . This carefully observed view of the recorded location fixes a specific place, use and moment for later historical comparison. The defining feature is Avanti West Coast Delay Repay Cheques,repayment for late and cancelled trains, West Coast Main Line, repayments, delay compensation. Other aspects of the subject include regional identity, built environment, rail mobility, documentary photography, visual archive, social landscape, commuter travel, before-and-after reference, urban change, transport interchange, local history, passenger connectivity, contemporary history, and station environment. For contemporary context, public ownership and integrated transport are closely related themes, especially where the issue becomes linking trains more effectively with buses and trams. For later comparison, the photograph preserves street furniture and boundaries at the recorded location, details that may look very different after closure or conversion. The photograph additionally reflects place identity, rail corridor, public transport network, rail modernisation, mass transit, local character, social history, and trackside infrastructure. Details involving cancelled, compensation, Cheques, trains, and repayment make the image more specific than a generic illustration and strengthen its local or historical value. By fixing the subject within the recorded location, the image preserves more than the headline object or building: it records part of the locality's everyday history. Its period value extends to public ownership and linking trains more effectively with buses and trams without losing the local specificity of the recorded location. The location additionally provides evidence for accessibility and linking trains more effectively with buses and trams in a form that can be compared with future views of the recorded location. The frame therefore remains a dated reference for the recorded location and the changing story of the subject shown.
Description
Keywords: HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,train,public transport,Waverley,station,railway,Scotland,UK,platform,rail,Edinburgh,new,new livery,blue,British Rail,BR,TPE,TOC,train operating company,franchise,Civity,EMU,roiling stock,route,routes,night,at night,Edinburgh Waverley Station,Edinburgh Waverley,Station,regional passenger train,Spanish,rolling stock,manufacturer,Spain,Nova 2,Eversholt Rail Group,cancelations
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2ANMBD6 - The CAF Civity is a platform of regional passenger trains which is manufactured by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF. Available as both a diesel and electric multiple unit, the Civity was first launched in 2010 and received its first order two years later.
Train length: 43140.2 m (141 ft 1 in460 ft 0 in)
Weight: c. 100 t (98.4 long tons
110.2 short tons)
Built at: Irun
Zaragoza
Newport
The British Rail Class 397 Civity is built by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF for lease to TransPennine Express by Eversholt Rail Group
Announcement of new trains was made by FirstGroup when it was confirmed that they would become the next operator of the TransPennine Express franchise from 1 April 2016. In May 2016 it was announced by TransPennine Express that they had ordered twelve five-car electric multiple units from CAF to replace the fleet of ten four-car Class 350/4 Desiro units which presently operate TransPennine Express services between Liverpool, Manchester and Scotland.
Testing of the first set began at the Velim railway test circuit in July 2018.
An option for up to 22 extra units was available to TransPennine Express, but it was not exercised.
Mainline testing of the Class 397 was carried out from Manchester International Depot, operating between the depot and Carlisle via Crewe, the test runs being operated by Rail Operations Group.
Waverley, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Description
Keywords: HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,train,public transport,Waverley,station,railway,Scotland,UK,platform,rail,Edinburgh,new,new livery,blue,British Rail,BR,TPE,TOC,train operating company,franchise,Civity,EMU,roiling stock,route,routes,night,at night,Edinburgh Waverley Station,Edinburgh Waverley,Station,regional passenger train,Spanish,rolling stock,manufacturer,Spain,Nova 2,Eversholt Rail Group,HotpixUK.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2ANMBD7 - The CAF Civity is a platform of regional passenger trains which is manufactured by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF. Available as both a diesel and electric multiple unit, the Civity was first launched in 2010 and received its first order two years later.
Train length: 43140.2 m (141 ft 1 in460 ft 0 in)
Weight: c. 100 t (98.4 long tons
110.2 short tons)
Built at: Irun
Zaragoza
Newport
The British Rail Class 397 Civity is built by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF for lease to TransPennine Express by Eversholt Rail Group
Announcement of new trains was made by FirstGroup when it was confirmed that they would become the next operator of the TransPennine Express franchise from 1 April 2016. In May 2016 it was announced by TransPennine Express that they had ordered twelve five-car electric multiple units from CAF to replace the fleet of ten four-car Class 350/4 Desiro units which presently operate TransPennine Express services between Liverpool, Manchester and Scotland.
Testing of the first set began at the Velim railway test circuit in July 2018.
An option for up to 22 extra units was available to TransPennine Express, but it was not exercised.
Mainline testing of the Class 397 was carried out from Manchester International Depot, operating between the depot and Carlisle via Crewe, the test runs being operated by Rail Operations Group.
Waverley, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Description
Keywords: HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,train,public transport,Waverley,station,railway,Scotland,UK,platform,rail,Edinburgh,new,new livery,blue,British Rail,BR,TPE,TOC,train operating company,franchise,Civity,EMU,roiling stock,route,routes,night,at night,Edinburgh Waverley Station,Edinburgh Waverley,Station,regional passenger train,Spanish,rolling stock,manufacturer,Spain,Nova 2,Eversholt Rail Group,cancelations
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2ANMBD8 - The CAF Civity is a platform of regional passenger trains which is manufactured by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF. Available as both a diesel and electric multiple unit, the Civity was first launched in 2010 and received its first order two years later.
Train length: 43140.2 m (141 ft 1 in460 ft 0 in)
Weight: c. 100 t (98.4 long tons
110.2 short tons)
Built at: Irun
Zaragoza
Newport
The British Rail Class 397 Civity is built by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF for lease to TransPennine Express by Eversholt Rail Group
Announcement of new trains was made by FirstGroup when it was confirmed that they would become the next operator of the TransPennine Express franchise from 1 April 2016. In May 2016 it was announced by TransPennine Express that they had ordered twelve five-car electric multiple units from CAF to replace the fleet of ten four-car Class 350/4 Desiro units which presently operate TransPennine Express services between Liverpool, Manchester and Scotland.
Testing of the first set began at the Velim railway test circuit in July 2018.
An option for up to 22 extra units was available to TransPennine Express, but it was not exercised.
Mainline testing of the Class 397 was carried out from Manchester International Depot, operating between the depot and Carlisle via Crewe, the test runs being operated by Rail Operations Group.
Waverley, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Description
Keywords: HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,train,public transport,Waverley,station,railway,Scotland,UK,platform,rail,Edinburgh,new,new livery,blue,British Rail,BR,TPE,TOC,train operating company,franchise,Civity,EMU,roiling stock,route,routes,night,at night,Edinburgh Waverley Station,Edinburgh Waverley,Station,regional passenger train,Spanish,rolling stock,manufacturer,Spain,Nova 2,Eversholt Rail Group,cancellation rate
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2ANMBDH - The CAF Civity is a platform of regional passenger trains which is manufactured by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF. Available as both a diesel and electric multiple unit, the Civity was first launched in 2010 and received its first order two years later.
Train length: 43140.2 m (141 ft 1 in460 ft 0 in)
Weight: c. 100 t (98.4 long tons
110.2 short tons)
Built at: Irun
Zaragoza
Newport
The British Rail Class 397 Civity is built by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF for lease to TransPennine Express by Eversholt Rail Group
Announcement of new trains was made by FirstGroup when it was confirmed that they would become the next operator of the TransPennine Express franchise from 1 April 2016. In May 2016 it was announced by TransPennine Express that they had ordered twelve five-car electric multiple units from CAF to replace the fleet of ten four-car Class 350/4 Desiro units which presently operate TransPennine Express services between Liverpool, Manchester and Scotland.
Testing of the first set began at the Velim railway test circuit in July 2018.
An option for up to 22 extra units was available to TransPennine Express, but it was not exercised.
Mainline testing of the Class 397 was carried out from Manchester International Depot, operating between the depot and Carlisle via Crewe, the test runs being operated by Rail Operations Group.
Waverley, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Description
Keywords: HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,train,public transport,Waverley,station,railway,Scotland,UK,platform,rail,Edinburgh,new,new livery,blue,British Rail,BR,TPE,TOC,train operating company,franchise,Civity,EMU,roiling stock,route,routes,night,at night,Edinburgh Waverley Station,Edinburgh Waverley,Station,regional passenger train,Spanish,rolling stock,manufacturer,Spain,Nova 2,Eversholt Rail Group,failing,failed
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2ANMBDM - The CAF Civity is a platform of regional passenger trains which is manufactured by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF. Available as both a diesel and electric multiple unit, the Civity was first launched in 2010 and received its first order two years later.
Train length: 43140.2 m (141 ft 1 in460 ft 0 in)
Weight: c. 100 t (98.4 long tons
110.2 short tons)
Built at: Irun
Zaragoza
Newport
The British Rail Class 397 Civity is built by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF for lease to TransPennine Express by Eversholt Rail Group
Announcement of new trains was made by FirstGroup when it was confirmed that they would become the next operator of the TransPennine Express franchise from 1 April 2016. In May 2016 it was announced by TransPennine Express that they had ordered twelve five-car electric multiple units from CAF to replace the fleet of ten four-car Class 350/4 Desiro units which presently operate TransPennine Express services between Liverpool, Manchester and Scotland.
Testing of the first set began at the Velim railway test circuit in July 2018.
An option for up to 22 extra units was available to TransPennine Express, but it was not exercised.
Mainline testing of the Class 397 was carried out from Manchester International Depot, operating between the depot and Carlisle via Crewe, the test runs being operated by Rail Operations Group.
Waverley, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Description
Keywords: HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,train,public transport,station,railway,Scotland,UK,platform,rail,Edinburgh,TOC,Train Operating Company,BR,British Rail,Cross Country,CrossCountry franchise train at platform at Edinburgh Waverley Station at,Waverley at night,service,Arriva UK Trains,XC Trains,Limited,Ltd,InterCity Cross Country,pink,Class 220 Voyager,Class 220,Voyager,cramped,Bombardier,Bombardier train,Bombardier Belgium,eVoyager,journey,rolling stock
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2ANMBDR - CrossCountry (legal name XC Trains Limited) is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by Arriva UK Trains, operating the New Cross Country franchise. It operates intercity and other long-distance trains across the country, but does not serve Greater London. It operates the UK's longest direct rail service from Aberdeen in the north-east of Scotland to Penzance in the south-west of England. It is one of only two franchised train operating companies that does not operate any stations, the other being Caledonian Sleeper. All services call at Birmingham New Street.
The company operates medium- and long-distance services that run outside of the London area. The network is centred at Birmingham, and all services either terminate at or pass through Birmingham New Street station. Services can be categorised into two types:
Inter-City: long-distance, fast services between the South of England and the North of England or Scotland via Birmingham
these routes are typically operated by Voyagers or HST sets
Regional: medium-distance, stopping or semi-fast services between Birmingham and other cities in the Midlands, as well as some longer runs to Wales and West Anglia. These are usually operated by Turbostars.
CrossCountry's official website does show a distinction between the two types of services (for example, each has a separate timetable booklet), but does not explicitly call them Inter-City and Regional.
The Class 220 Voyager was built to operate Cross Country intercity services. Virgin CrossCountry received 34 four-car sets in 2000/01. All passed with the CrossCountry franchise to Arriva CrossCountry in November 2007
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Description
Keywords: HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,train,public transport,station,railway,Scotland,UK,platform,rail,Edinburgh,TOC,Train Operating Company,BR,British Rail,Cross Country,CrossCountry franchise train at platform at Edinburgh Waverley Station at,Waverley at night,service,Arriva UK Trains,XC Trains,Limited,Ltd,InterCity Cross Country,pink,Class 220 Voyager,Class 220,Voyager,cramped,Bombardier,Bombardier train,Bombardier Belgium,eVoyager,journey,rolling stock,RMT Union
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2ANMBDT - CrossCountry (legal name XC Trains Limited) is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by Arriva UK Trains, operating the New Cross Country franchise. It operates intercity and other long-distance trains across the country, but does not serve Greater London. It operates the UK's longest direct rail service from Aberdeen in the north-east of Scotland to Penzance in the south-west of England. It is one of only two franchised train operating companies that does not operate any stations, the other being Caledonian Sleeper. All services call at Birmingham New Street.
The company operates medium- and long-distance services that run outside of the London area. The network is centred at Birmingham, and all services either terminate at or pass through Birmingham New Street station. Services can be categorised into two types:
Inter-City: long-distance, fast services between the South of England and the North of England or Scotland via Birmingham
these routes are typically operated by Voyagers or HST sets
Regional: medium-distance, stopping or semi-fast services between Birmingham and other cities in the Midlands, as well as some longer runs to Wales and West Anglia. These are usually operated by Turbostars.
CrossCountry's official website does show a distinction between the two types of services (for example, each has a separate timetable booklet), but does not explicitly call them Inter-City and Regional.
The Class 220 Voyager was built to operate Cross Country intercity services. Virgin CrossCountry received 34 four-car sets in 2000/01. All passed with the CrossCountry franchise to Arriva CrossCountry in November 2007
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Dec 2019,Virgin Trains,franchise,TOC,train operating company,delays,complaints,WBQ,train,rail,railway,UK,England,British Rail,British,Avanti West Coast,re-brand,rebranded,new brand,Avanti FirstGroup TrenItalia,Warrington,Cheshire,advert,advertisement,publicity,evening,WCP,platform,station,WA1,Keep away from Platform edge,red,orange,West Coast,poor service,cancelled,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2AJRRJE - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that began operating the West Coast Partnership franchise on 8 December 2019. It replaced Virgin Trains, which had operated the franchise since 1997.
In November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the InterCity West Coast franchise would be superseded by the West Coast Partnership (WCP), which would include operating High Speed 2 (HS2) services from 2026.
The DfT required that bidders have experience in high-speed trains and infrastructure, hence all partnered with an existing high-speed operator. In June 2017, the DfT announced that three consortia had been shortlisted to bid for the franchise:
FirstGroup (70%) / Trenitalia (30%)
MTR Corporation (75%) / Guangshen Railway Company (25%)
Stagecoach (50%) / SNCF (30%) / Virgin Group (20%)
In August 2019 the DfT awarded the franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium with Avanti West Coast to commence operations on 8 December 2019. Some uncertainty remains as the Competition and Markets Authority launched a merger inquiry into the award of the franchise following a referral from the European Commission
Avanti West Coast initially operates the same services as Virgin Trains on the West Coast Main Line. When High Speed 2 opens, it will also operate these services.
Warrington Bank Quay, Cheshire, england, UK, WA1 1LW
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Dec 2019,Virgin Trains,franchise,TOC,train operating company,delays,complaints,WBQ,train,rail,railway,UK,England,British Rail,British,Avanti West Coast,re-brand,rebranded,new brand,Avanti FirstGroup TrenItalia,Warrington,Cheshire,advert,advertisement,publicity,evening,Class390,WCP,Pendolino,platform,station,EMU,WA1,Platform two,Platform 2,delayed,cancelled
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2AJRRJM - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that began operating the West Coast Partnership franchise on 8 December 2019. It replaced Virgin Trains, which had operated the franchise since 1997.
In November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the InterCity West Coast franchise would be superseded by the West Coast Partnership (WCP), which would include operating High Speed 2 (HS2) services from 2026.
The DfT required that bidders have experience in high-speed trains and infrastructure, hence all partnered with an existing high-speed operator. In June 2017, the DfT announced that three consortia had been shortlisted to bid for the franchise:
FirstGroup (70%) / Trenitalia (30%)
MTR Corporation (75%) / Guangshen Railway Company (25%)
Stagecoach (50%) / SNCF (30%) / Virgin Group (20%)
In August 2019 the DfT awarded the franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium with Avanti West Coast to commence operations on 8 December 2019. Some uncertainty remains as the Competition and Markets Authority launched a merger inquiry into the award of the franchise following a referral from the European Commission
Avanti West Coast initially operates the same services as Virgin Trains on the West Coast Main Line. When High Speed 2 opens, it will also operate these services.
Warrington Bank Quay, Cheshire, england, UK, WA1 1LW
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Dec 2019,Virgin Trains,franchise,TOC,train operating company,delays,complaints,WBQ,train,rail,railway,UK,England,British Rail,British,Avanti West Coast,re-brand,rebranded,new brand,Avanti FirstGroup TrenItalia,Warrington,Cheshire,advert,advertisement,publicity,evening,WCP,platform,station,WA1,Warrington Bank Quay Sign,Bank Quay Sign,platform two,Trains South,London Train,hotpix.org.uk
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2AJRRKF - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that began operating the West Coast Partnership franchise on 8 December 2019. It replaced Virgin Trains, which had operated the franchise since 1997.
In November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the InterCity West Coast franchise would be superseded by the West Coast Partnership (WCP), which would include operating High Speed 2 (HS2) services from 2026.
The DfT required that bidders have experience in high-speed trains and infrastructure, hence all partnered with an existing high-speed operator. In June 2017, the DfT announced that three consortia had been shortlisted to bid for the franchise:
FirstGroup (70%) / Trenitalia (30%)
MTR Corporation (75%) / Guangshen Railway Company (25%)
Stagecoach (50%) / SNCF (30%) / Virgin Group (20%)
In August 2019 the DfT awarded the franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium with Avanti West Coast to commence operations on 8 December 2019. Some uncertainty remains as the Competition and Markets Authority launched a merger inquiry into the award of the franchise following a referral from the European Commission
Avanti West Coast initially operates the same services as Virgin Trains on the West Coast Main Line. When High Speed 2 opens, it will also operate these services.
Warrington Bank Quay, Cheshire, england, UK, WA1 1LW
Description
Keywords: HotpixUK,UK,@HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,England,at Birmingham New Street,Uk,TOC,train,carriage,at,Birmingham,trains,railway,service,performance,privatisation,platform,door,doors,open,waiting at,West Midlands Trains,WMT,Abellio,JR East,Mitsui Group,West Midlands franchise,consortium,West Midlands Rail Executive,orange,purple,colour scheme,brand,sub-brand,subbrand,branded,London Midland,hexagonal,WM
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2AFP0MH - West Midlands.htm Target=_Blank>Midlands Trains (WMT) is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates passenger trains on the West Midlands franchise between London and the English Midlands under two trade names: West Midlands Railway (within the West Midlands region) and London Northwestern Railway (LNR) (outside the West Midlands region).
It is owned by a consortium of three companies: Abellio, JR East and Mitsui Group.
In April 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced the shortlist of bidders for the West Midlands franchise, comprising the incumbent operator Govia, MTR Corporation, and West Midlands Trains: a consortium of Abellio (70%), JR East (15%) and Mitsui (15%). In July 2016, MTR Corporation withdrew from the bidding process.
The invitation to tender was issued in August 2016. In August 2017, the West Midlands Trains consortium was awarded the franchise. It took over from London Midland on 10 December 2017. The franchise is scheduled to run until March 2026
Unlike the previous London Midland franchise, which was solely accountable to the DfT, West Midlands will also be accountable for services that operate wholly within the West Midlands region to West Midlands Rail Executive, a group of 16 local authorities. However, the DfT will still need to approve any changes West Midlands Rail wish to make until the franchise is relet, by which time West Midlands Rail will award the future franchise for services wholly within the West Midlands region.
Birmingham New St, England, UK
Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,UK,Cheshire,England,GB,Great Britain,Wilson Patten St,at,WBQ,railway station,WA1,transport,Warrington,platform2,Virgin,Pendolino,Train,WCML train,railway,mainline,Persil factory,platform,platforms,service,services,history,TOC,historic,brand,branding,branded,better,times,on,the,WCML
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2ABJGGF - . Photographed at Warrington Bank Quay Station,Wilson Patten Street,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,WA1 in 2019, this is a specific real-world record of the subject, its setting and the period details surrounding it. The view centres on Virgin Pendolino train,platform two,Euston bound,WCML train,Warrington Bank Quay Station,Wilson Patten Street,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,WA1. The image connects the immediate subject with regional identity, archival record, working-industry history, local history, engineering heritage, industrial material culture, place identity, passenger railway, local character, labour history, community identity, rail transport, industrial archaeology, and rail modernisation. The present-day relevance extends to public ownership and fares, while a wider concern is linking trains more effectively with other transport. Current discussion around this subject increasingly includes adaptive reuse alongside embodied carbon, with particular attention to the relationship between local geology, manufacturing and the built environment. For place-based research, the frame records evidence of how the subject fitted into ordinary life in this part of Warrington Bank Quay Station,Wilson Patten Street,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,WA1. The setting also brings in commuter travel, changing land use, production works, transport interchange, traditional building materials, before-and-after reference, rail mobility, and manufacturing heritage. The combination of Pendolino, Station, train, bound, and Patten anchors the image to a recognisable activity, place or moment. By fixing the subject within Warrington Bank Quay Station,Wilson Patten Street,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,WA1, the image preserves more than the headline object or building: it records part of the locality's everyday history. The photograph keeps a trace of local identity as part of Warrington Bank Quay Station,Wilson Patten Street,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,WA1's history.
Warrington Bank Quay Station,Wilson Patten Street,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,WA1
Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,Hotpixuk,GoTonySmith,TOC,Station St,Birmingham,England,UK,B2 4QA,Train,info,coach,rolling stock,rail,railways,transport,door,New Street,NS,New St,B2,night,evening,late,train,trains,railway,service,services,route,routes,busy,full,crowded,waiting,waits,at,the,CrossCountry,power cut
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2AERPFM - . An on-location image from Station St, Birmingham,England,UK, B2 4QA in 2019, useful both for the specific subject shown and for the evidence it retains about local identity, design, use and everyday life. At the centre of the frame is Cross Country Train,TOC,Birmingham New Street station,Station St, Birmingham,England,UK, B2 4QA. The frame also contains themes of regional rail, historic context, documentary photography, local history, community identity, trackside infrastructure, changing land use, road connectivity, before-and-after reference, changing streetscape, road engineering, regional identity, social history, and rail corridor. The present-day relevance extends to accessibility and fares, while a wider concern is preserving railway heritage while modernising the network. Current discussion around this subject increasingly includes active travel alongside decarbonisation, with particular attention to how road layouts influence local access and development. As a piece of social history, the image captures a particular stage in the life of the location in the immediate surroundings of Station St, Birmingham,England,UK, B2 4QA. A second layer of the scene includes public transport network, local transport, historical comparison, rail modernisation, public realm, visual archive, roadside environment, and place identity. Details involving Birmingham, Train, Country, Cross, and station give the scene useful specificity and strengthen its local, cultural or historical identity. By fixing the subject within Station St, Birmingham,England,UK, B2 4QA, the image preserves more than the headline object or building: it records part of the locality's everyday history. Its period value extends to accessibility and preserving railway heritage while modernising the network within the real-world context of Station St, Birmingham,England,UK, B2 4QA. The photograph keeps a point of historical comparison before later change alters the scene.
Station St, Birmingham,England,UK, B2 4QA
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,AB11,red,TOC,public,transport,ownership,east coast,mainline,main line,commuters,strike,RMT,union,unions,walks,walking,past,a,train,cab,43311,class 43,HST,diesel,service,Scottish,services,Guild St,Scotland,UK,AB11 6LX,railway,station,London and North Eastern Railway,owned
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2K43P0X - The London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) was the second largest (after LMS) of the Big Four railway companies created by the Railways Act 1921 in Britain. It operated from 1 January 1923 until nationalisation on 1 January 1948. At that time, it was divided into the new British Railways' Eastern Region, North Eastern Region, and partially the Scottish Region.
It covered the area north and east of London. It included the East Coast Main Line from London to Edinburgh via York and Newcastle upon Tyne and the routes from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and Inverness. Most of the country east of the Pennines was within its purview, including East Anglia. The main workshops were in Doncaster, with others at Darlington, Inverurie and Stratford, London
On the privatisation of British Rail in 1996, the franchise to run long distance express trains on the East Coast Main Line was won by Sea Containers Ltd, who named the new operating company Great North Eastern Railway (GNER), a name and initials deliberately chosen to echo the LNER.
Following the collapse of Virgin Trains East Coast in May 2018, the newly-nationalised operator of the East Coast Main Line was named London North Eastern Railway to evoke the earlier company
Aberdeen railway station, Guild St, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, AB11 6LX
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Diesel Multiple Unit,Carriage,Diesel,Diesel Carriage,platform,at platform,England,TOC,Network Rail,Rail Project,DMU,Railway Station,Merseyside,North West England,UK,NorthernRail,Train,better connections,railway upgrade plan,rail improvements,improvement,rail improvement,Train Operating Company,franchise,passenger,passengers,Pacer,Pacer Train,Northern Pacer Train,disabled access,doors,bicycle,front,Railbus,Rail bus
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PCTA58 - . This location-led image sets out the setting around Lime Street, Liverpool, in an image captured in 2018. The scene is specifically associated with Northern Railway Pacer Train, DMU, Lime Street Railway Station, Liverpool, Merseyside, North West England, UK. The photograph carries associations with passenger connectivity, motor traffic, public transport network, rail transport, rail heritage, urban mobility, train travel, rail mobility, commuter transport, highway services, road safety, and transport interchange. The wider contemporary story of train travel now includes accessible travel alongside fares and affordability, while policy and investment increasingly consider lower-carbon mobility. Current debate around place and memory often combines shifts in local identity, business turnover and the practical challenge of stronger archival comparison. The date and location give the photograph archival strength: future views of Lime Street, Liverpool may show different businesses, branding, services, architecture, traffic patterns or redevelopment, allowing clear before-and-after comparison. The location additionally reflects surface transport, vehicle movement, rail modernisation, transport planning, junction design, roadside commerce. Associated details include Great North Rail Project, Northern Railway Train, NorthernRailway, GNRP, Northern Powerhouse, 55574. The location further reflects sustainable mobility, regional rail, traffic management, local transport, mass transit, rail infrastructure, intercity travel, highway infrastructure, motorway travel, and station environment. Seen from a 2025-onward perspective, passenger rail also connects with town-centre connectivity, decarbonisation and efforts aimed at a simpler passenger experience. That gives this view of Lime Street, Liverpool continuing value for local history, retrospective reporting and visual comparison.
Lime Street, Liverpool
Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,carriage,livery,Manchester Airport,service,TOC,TransPennine Express,platform four,Cumbria,England,UK,rail,railway,Express Train,train,First,First Group,planform,platform,Carlisle,station,Carlisle Station,EMU,Electrical Multiple Unit,Northern England,TransPennine North West,North West,doors,open,British Rail Class 350 Desiro,British Rail,Class 350,Desiro,350/4,Siemens,Siemens Desiro
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PB6G58 - The TransPennine Express brand was launched in the early 1990s by British Rail's Regional Railways sector. It became part of Regional Railways North East and on 2 March 1997 was privatised with Northern Spirit and its successor, Arriva Trains Northern maintaining the brand.
In August 2014, the Department for Transport announced FirstGroup, Keolis/Go-Ahead and Stagecoach had been shortlisted to bid for the next franchise. In December 2015, FirstGroup was awarded the franchise with TransPennine Express taking over on 1 April 2016. The franchise will run until 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for two years.
As part of a recasting of the franchise map by the Department for Transport, services from Manchester Airport to Blackpool North, Manchester Airport to Barrow in Furness and Oxenholme to Windermere were transferred to the Northern franchise on 1 April 2016
The TransPennine Express routes are subdivided into three sections:
North TransPennine, which includes all routes that pass through the core section between Manchester and Leeds
South TransPennine, which includes services running on the Hope Valley line and the South Humberside Main Line
TransPennine North West, which consists of services on the West Coast Main Line.
Carlisle railway station, or Carlisle Citadel, Court Square, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, UK CA1 1QZ
Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,carriage,livery,Manchester Airport,service,TOC,TransPennine Express,platform four,Cumbria,England,UK,rail,railway,Express Train,train,First,First Group,planform,platform,Carlisle,station,Carlisle Station,EMU,Electrical Multiple Unit,Northern England,TransPennine North West,North West,doors,open,British Rail Class 350 Desiro,British Rail,Class 350,Desiro,350/4,Siemens,Siemens Desiro,RMT Union,worst,cancellations
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PB6G59 - The TransPennine Express brand was launched in the early 1990s by British Rail's Regional Railways sector. It became part of Regional Railways North East and on 2 March 1997 was privatised with Northern Spirit and its successor, Arriva Trains Northern maintaining the brand.
In August 2014, the Department for Transport announced FirstGroup, Keolis/Go-Ahead and Stagecoach had been shortlisted to bid for the next franchise. In December 2015, FirstGroup was awarded the franchise with TransPennine Express taking over on 1 April 2016. The franchise will run until 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for two years.
As part of a recasting of the franchise map by the Department for Transport, services from Manchester Airport to Blackpool North, Manchester Airport to Barrow in Furness and Oxenholme to Windermere were transferred to the Northern franchise on 1 April 2016
The TransPennine Express routes are subdivided into three sections:
North TransPennine, which includes all routes that pass through the core section between Manchester and Leeds
South TransPennine, which includes services running on the Hope Valley line and the South Humberside Main Line
TransPennine North West, which consists of services on the West Coast Main Line.
Carlisle railway station, or Carlisle Citadel, Court Square, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, UK CA1 1QZ
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Main Line,railway station,British,UK,English,England,British Rail,BR,Network Rail,Platform,canopy,train,carriages,carriage,walkway,footbridge,bridge,rail,rails,track,TOC,train operating company,franchise,rail network,renationalisation,Carlisle Citadel,Carlisle Railway Station,Cumbria,Grade II* listed,graded,listed,neo-Tudor style,architect William Tite,city,centre
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy P69RFT - Carlisle railway station, or Carlisle Citadel, is a Grade II* listed railway station serving the city of Carlisle, Cumbria, England. It is on the West Coast Main Line, 102 miles (164 km) south east of Glasgow Central, and 299 miles (481 km) north north west of London Euston. It is the northern terminus of the Settle and Carlisle Line, a continuation of the Midland Main Line from Leeds, Sheffield and London St Pancras.
In September 1847, the first services departed the station, even though construction was not completed until the following year. It was built in a neo-Tudor style to the designs of English architect William Tite. Carlisle Station was one of a number of stations in the city, the others were Crown Street and London Road, but it was the dominant station by 1851. The other stations had their passenger services redirected to it and were closed. Between 1875 and 1876, the station was expanded to accommodate the lines of the Midland Railway which was the seventh railway company to use it.
The Beeching cuts of the 1960s affected Carlisle, particularly the closure of the former North British Railway lines to Silloth, on 7 September 1964, and the Waverley Line to Edinburgh via Galashiels on 6 January 1969. The closure programme claimed neighbouring lines, including the Castle Douglas and Dumfries Railway and Portpatrick Railway (the Port Road) in 1965, resulting in a significant mileage increase via the Glasgow South Western Line & Ayr to reach Stranraer Harbour, and ferries to Northern Ireland. The station layout has undergone few changes other than the singling of the ex-NER Tyne Valley route to London Road Junction in the 197273 re-signalling scheme, which was associated with the electrification of the West Coast Main Line (WCML). Renovations to the platforms and glass roof were performed between 2015 and 2018.
Carlisle railway station, or Carlisle Citadel, Court Square, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, UK CA1 1QZ
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,TNWRA,The North Will Rise Again,branding,on,train,logo,Northern Railway,Northern,TOC,franchise,Train operating Franchise,Ariva,Arriva,rail fail,transport,railway,British rail,travel,tourism,advertising,ad,campaign,Northern train operating company,Arriva Rail North,Arriva Rail,new timetable,carriage,doors,door,livery,man,face,window,award,awarded,at the plaform,at platform,platform
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy P69RJ8 - Northern, the trading name of Arriva Rail North,[1] is a train operating company in Northern England. A subsidiary of Arriva UK Trains, it began operating the Northern franchise on 1 April 2016 and inherited units from the previous operator Northern Rail.
Carlisle railway station, or Carlisle Citadel, Court Square, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, UK CA1 1QZ
Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,Gotonysmith,Northern,Northern Rail,old,Train,carriage,Birchwood,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,British Rail,BR,TOC,Train Operating Companies,Train Operating Company,journey,passenger,passengers,franchise,Northern Franchise,failed passengers,Arriva UK Trains,widespread delays,142 Pacer,DMU,seat,seating,poor,dirty,tired,historic,moving,railbus,railbuses,rail bus,Pacer Train,BREL
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MNFT95 - Pacer is the operational name of the British Rail stock-photo/gotonysmith-Class.html?sortBy=relevant&pseudoid=237DAF28-A4ED-4448-8173-C0E81ABEEC6F Target=_Blank>Classes 140, 141, 142, 143 and 144 diesel multiple unit railbuses, built between 1980 and 1987. Intended as a short-term solution to a shortage of rolling stock (with a lifespan of no more than 20 years), as of 2018 many Pacer railbuses are still in use.
The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations require that all public passenger trains must be accessible to disabled people by 2020. Only one Pacer (the modernised 144e) currently meets this requirement, and the remainder will therefore need to be withdrawn by that date unless they receive an extensive refurbishment. Porterbrook, which owns the Class 143 and Class 144 fleets, has proposed such a refurbishment for the rest of the fleet, while Angel Trains, which owns the Class 142 fleet, does not see such a refurbishment as a viable option
Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,Gotonysmith,Northern,Northern Rail,old,Train,carriage,Birchwood,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,British Rail,BR,TOC,Train Operating Companies,Train Operating Company,journey,passenger,passengers,franchise,Northern Franchise,failed passengers,Arriva UK Trains,widespread delays,142 Pacer,DMU,seat,seating,poor,dirty,tired,historic,moving,railbus,railbuses,rail bus,Pacer Train,BREL
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MNFTAJ - Pacer is the operational name of the British Rail stock-photo/gotonysmith-Class.html?sortBy=relevant&pseudoid=237DAF28-A4ED-4448-8173-C0E81ABEEC6F Target=_Blank>Classes 140, 141, 142, 143 and 144 diesel multiple unit railbuses, built between 1980 and 1987. Intended as a short-term solution to a shortage of rolling stock (with a lifespan of no more than 20 years), as of 2018 many Pacer railbuses are still in use.
The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations require that all public passenger trains must be accessible to disabled people by 2020. Only one Pacer (the modernised 144e) currently meets this requirement, and the remainder will therefore need to be withdrawn by that date unless they receive an extensive refurbishment. Porterbrook, which owns the Class 143 and Class 144 fleets, has proposed such a refurbishment for the rest of the fleet, while Angel Trains, which owns the Class 142 fleet, does not see such a refurbishment as a viable option
Description
Keywords: GoTonysmith,@HotpixUK,Interior,of an,overcrowded,Virgin train,Virgin,train,rail,TOC,franchise,West Coast Mainline,Voyager,passengers,crowded,UK,British Rail,privatisation,UK train network,franchise model,inside,busy Pendalino train,busy Pendolino train,full,busy,West Coast Franchise,night,dusk,evening,seats,seating,passenger reservations,Virgin train tickets,Class 390,British Railway Class 390,Alstom,WCML,West Coast Main Line,Angel Trains,Department Of Transport
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MM99TA - In 2002, Virgin Trains in the UK began operating custom-designed Pendolino trains known as the Class 390 on its West Coast Main Line (WCML) franchise. The 53 9-car trains were constructed by Alstom and are leased by Virgin Trains from Angel Trains.
Owing to the failure of the WCML upgrade to provide in-cab signalling, these units are limited in service to 125 mph (200 km/h) operation rather than their 140 mph (225 km/h) design speed. In 2006, Virgin Trains announced that, over the following three years, they would be examining the possibility of running the trains at 135 mph (215 km/h) through the Trent Valley as part of their new WCML Franchise Proposal.
An Alstom Class 390 Pendolino in Birmingham
The Class 390 Pendolino were maintained by Alstom (West Coast Traincare) under contract to Virgin Trains until 2012. The main maintenance locations are Wembley, Midlands (Oxley, Wolverhampton), Manchester (Longsight) and Glasgow (Polmadie), as well as Liverpool (for minor work only) and several Traincare Points along the line of route (such as Euston and Carlisle). Headquarters for West Coast Traincare moved from the former Metro-Cammell factory at Washwood Heath in Birmingham upon its closure in November 2005 to Manchester Longsight depot with some functions being based at a new office facility at Oxley depot.
In 2008 DfT announced that 31 of the existing 9-car sets would be lengthened to 11 cars to increase capacity. Four new 11-car sets were also to be built. Angel Trains ordered the vehicles from Alstom in September 2008. Virgin Rail Projects has been selected to introduce the new trains. The longer units would require major infrastructure changes to allow stations and depots to accommodate the 11-car units.
Description
Keywords: Inside,interior,empty,coach,carriage,seat,red,orange,seats,TOC,train,operating,company,cheap,night,evening,standard,first,class,herd,price,UK,train,trains,Standard Class,Goat Class,ticket prices,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,British,England,problem,with,problem with,issue with,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy HK3GXT - . This location-specific image from Nottingham,England, UK in 2017 provides a visual record of the subject in everyday context, useful for both contemporary editorial work and later historical comparison. At the centre of the view is Interior of East Midlands train Carriage, Nottingham, England, UK. The subject also carries associations with local character, transport accessibility, archival record, public realm, passenger transport, social history, contemporary social history, period detail, changing land use, bus infrastructure, local mobility, local bus network, street-side transport, and community identity. Viewed from the mid-2020s, the subject also connects with integrated transport, bus service funding and the challenge of maintaining reliable services outside dense city centres. The image fixes signage and branding within Nottingham,England, UK at one identifiable point, providing a benchmark against conservation work. The surrounding story also includes bus route infrastructure, place identity, surface public transport, roadside transit, changing streetscape, documentary photography, everyday life, and before-and-after reference. References to Nottingham, Carriage, train, Midlands, and Interior give the picture a strong period identity and tie it closely to its named subject. For Nottingham,England, UK, the photograph contributes to a cumulative visual history in which changes in use, signs, access and appearance can be traced over time. Its period value extends to integrated transport and the importance of bus stops as the physical interface between passengers and public transport within the specific setting of Nottingham,England, UK. The location additionally provides evidence of passenger information and the shift toward cleaner buses and integrated ticketing as part of the longer story of Nottingham,England, UK. It also preserves period character for later comparison.
Nottingham,England, UK
Description
Keywords: Inside,interior,empty,coach,carriage,seat,red,orange,seats,TOC,train,operating,company,cheap,night,evening,standard,first,class,herd,price,UK,train,trains,Standard Class,Goat Class,ticket prices,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,British,England,problem,with,problem with,issue with,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy HK3H0C - . This scene at Nottingham,England, UK in 2017 forms part of the visual history of the locality, documenting the named subject together with aspects of how the area looked and functioned at the time. The subject captured here is Interior of East Midlands train Carriage, Nottingham, England, UK. Another layer of the photograph includes everyday life, transport accessibility, social history, archival record, bus infrastructure, public transport stop, period detail, local history, regional identity, local character, historical comparison, community identity, changing land use, and public transport information. For current editorial use, rural transport and bus service funding provide additional context, especially through how local bus services affect access to work, education and healthcare. As a dated visual record of Nottingham,England, UK, the frame retains materials and architectural details, making it especially useful if replacement signage subsequently changes the scene. A second descriptive layer includes local mobility, passenger transport, roadside stop, before-and-after reference, street-side transport, roadside transit, surface public transport, and changing streetscape. Details involving Interior, Carriage, Midlands, train, and Nottingham make the image more specific than a generic view and strengthen its local or historical value. A later view of Nottingham,England, UK may show a very different setting, increasing the value of this precise record of its earlier appearance and activity. The setting also helps illustrate rural transport and the importance of bus stops as the physical interface between passengers and public transport in a form that can be compared with future views of Nottingham,England, UK. The image also provides a reference for bus service funding and how local bus services affect access to work, education and healthcare within the real-world context of Nottingham,England, UK.
Nottingham,England, UK
Description
Keywords: red,railway,railways,rail,rails,TOC,train operating company,SouthWest,train,SouthWest Trains,night,dusk,evening,morning,door,open,door open,England,UK,platform,late,on time,ontime,on,time,punctual,Waterloo,station,Ready To Depart,Waterloo Station,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,British,England,London,Greater,with,problem with,issue with,LDN,City,Centre,cities,Urban,Urbanist,town,infrastructure,transport,tour,tourism,tourists,urban,attraction,attractions,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,Greater London,British Isles,City Centre
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy HEJ718 - . This location-specific image from Waterloo,London,England,UK in 2016 provides a visual record of the subject in everyday context, useful for both contemporary editorial work and later historical comparison. The principal subject is South West train, ready to depart at dusk, London, England,UK. The image also relates to historical comparison, changing streetscape, documentary photography, public transport information, public realm, bus infrastructure, visual archive, bus route infrastructure, changing land use, roadside stop, period detail, community identity, roadside transit, and public transport stop. In present-day coverage, the subject reaches into decarbonisation and accessibility, not least because of the shift toward cleaner buses and integrated ticketing. Future viewers can use this scene from Waterloo,London,England,UK to compare commercial use and occupation with whatever follows after new ownership. A second descriptive layer includes transport accessibility, surface public transport, archival record, local character, local mobility, place identity, local bus network, and regional identity. References to London, ready, depart, and train give the picture a strong period identity and tie it closely to its named subject. The wider setting at Waterloo,London,England,UK matters because ordinary visual details often provide the strongest evidence of how a place actually looked and functioned. The setting also helps illustrate decarbonisation and how local bus services affect access to work, education and healthcare within the specific setting of Waterloo,London,England,UK. The image also provides a reference for accessibility and the shift toward cleaner buses and integrated ticketing as part of the longer story of Waterloo,London,England,UK. Another useful connection is accessibility and the challenge of maintaining reliable services outside dense city centres when considered against later change at Waterloo,London,England,UK.
Waterloo,London,England,UK
Description
Keywords: early,morning,evening,winter,rail,Scotrail,TOC,train,operating,company,privatised,public,customer,British,BR,waiting,delay,delayed,late,disruption,compensation,Perth,Scotland,UK,Scot,Scotrail,rail,Train Operating Company,British Rail,Passengers casting shadows,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,Scottish,British,Scotland,delay,delays,delayed.late,later,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H9PM28 - . Recorded at Perth,Scotland,UK in 2016, the image fixes a recognisable subject and its environment at one point in time, giving later viewers a reliable basis for comparison. The image documents Passengers casting shadows on a railway platform, Perth,Scotland,UK. Another layer of the photograph includes built heritage, urban fabric, period detail, local history, historical comparison, archival record, conservation interest, contemporary social history, documentary photography, heritage landmark, historic streetscape, place identity, period architecture, and social history. Current relevance extends to embodied carbon and tourism, particularly through keeping older buildings useful without erasing their distinctive character. Future viewers can use this scene from Perth,Scotland,UK to compare materials and architectural details with whatever follows after refurbishment. Other useful contextual ideas include visual archive, heritage asset, period building, community identity, public realm, adaptive reuse, conservation architecture, and before-and-after reference. Elements such as Scotland, platform, shadows, Passengers, and Perth add documentary specificity and may become increasingly useful when compared with later records. By fixing the subject within Perth,Scotland,UK, the image preserves more than the headline object or building: it records part of the locality's everyday history. The setting also helps illustrate embodied carbon and keeping older buildings useful without erasing their distinctive character within the specific setting of Perth,Scotland,UK. The image also provides a reference for planning control and the value of architectural landmarks to local identity and tourism as part of the longer story of Perth,Scotland,UK. Another useful connection is tourism and the balance between conservation, retrofit and modern accessibility when considered against later change at Perth,Scotland,UK.
Perth,Scotland,UK
Description
Keywords: early,morning,evening,winter,rail,Scotrail,TOC,train,operating,company,privatised,public,customer,British,BR,waiting,delay,delayed,late,disruption,compensation,Perth,Scotland,UK,Scot,Scotrail,rail,Train Operating Company,British Rail,Passengers casting shadows,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,Scottish,British,Scotland,delay,delays,delayed.late,later,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H9PM2A - . This authentic period view of Perth,Scotland,UK in 2016 preserves the main subject alongside smaller contextual details that can acquire greater historical value as places and uses change. The subject captured here is Passengers casting shadows on a railway platform, Perth,Scotland,UK. The locality and subject together evoke changing land use, historical comparison, period building, urban fabric, period detail, public realm, heritage landmark, social history, regional identity, conservation interest, cityscape history, community identity, archival record, and changing streetscape. In present-day coverage, the subject reaches into heritage conservation and energy retrofit, not least because of keeping older buildings useful without erasing their distinctive character. Future viewers can use this scene from Perth,Scotland,UK to compare commercial use and occupation with whatever follows after changing commercial priorities. Further associations within the scene are heritage asset, adaptive reuse, place identity, period architecture, local history, visual archive, local character, and everyday life. References to casting, railway, Perth, Passengers, and shadows give the picture a strong period identity and tie it closely to its named subject. The wider setting at Perth,Scotland,UK matters because ordinary visual details often provide the strongest evidence of how a place actually looked and functioned. The wider significance includes heritage conservation and the balance between conservation, retrofit and modern accessibility when considered against later change at Perth,Scotland,UK. Another strand within the photograph is tourism and the value of architectural landmarks to local identity and tourism without losing the local specificity of Perth,Scotland,UK. The setting also helps illustrate maintenance and keeping older buildings useful without erasing their distinctive character in a form that can be compared with future views of Perth,Scotland,UK.
Perth,Scotland,UK
Description
Keywords: early,morning,evening,winter,rail,Scotrail,TOC,train,operating,company,privatised,public,customer,British,BR,waiting,delay,delayed,late,disruption,compensation,Perth,Scotland,UK,Scot,Scotrail,rail,Train Operating Company,British Rail,Passengers casting shadows,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,Scottish,British,Scotland,delay,delays,delayed.late,later,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H9PM2C - . Photographed at Perth,Scotland,UK in 2016, this detailed documentary image records the subject within its real surroundings and preserves a specific stage in the life of the location. The subject captured here is Passengers casting shadows on a railway platform, Perth,Scotland,UK. The frame also records themes of urban fabric, conservation interest, social history, architectural detail, period architecture, regional identity, historic townscape, documentary photography, community identity, contemporary social history, built heritage, adaptive reuse, local character, and changing streetscape. In present-day coverage, the subject reaches into embodied carbon and adaptive reuse, not least because of the balance between conservation, retrofit and modern accessibility. The image fixes materials and architectural details within Perth,Scotland,UK at one identifiable point, providing a benchmark against conservation work. Other useful contextual ideas include heritage asset, period building, historic streetscape, architectural character, changing land use, place identity, before-and-after reference, and conservation architecture. Elements such as shadows, Perth, platform, Scotland, and railway add documentary specificity and may become increasingly useful when compared with later records. A later view of Perth,Scotland,UK may show a very different setting, increasing the value of this precise record of its earlier appearance and activity. The wider significance includes embodied carbon and the value of architectural landmarks to local identity and tourism without losing the local specificity of Perth,Scotland,UK. Another strand within the photograph is energy retrofit and how historic buildings acquire new uses as cities change in a form that can be compared with future views of Perth,Scotland,UK. The scene captures a point of historical comparison for later comparison. Image H9PM2C also remains a dated record of Perth,Scotland,UK.
Perth,Scotland,UK
Description
Keywords: Scotrail,TOC,train,operating,company,public,customer,British,waiting,delay,delayed,disruption,compensation,Perth,Scotland,UK,Scot,Scotrail,rail,Train Operating Company,Passengers casting shadows,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,Scottish,British,Scotland,delay,delays,delayed.late,Images of,Tony Smith,Great Britain,workers,strike,RMT union
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy H9PM2D - . This authentic period view of Perth,Scotland,UK in 2016 preserves the main subject alongside smaller contextual details that can acquire greater historical value as places and uses change. The image documents Passengers casting shadows on a railway platform, Perth,Scotland,UK. The wider scene also brings together visual archive, changing land use, conservation architecture, local character, social history, adaptive reuse, community identity, conservation interest, historical comparison, heritage asset, built heritage, before-and-after reference, public realm, and local history. In present-day coverage, the subject reaches into embodied carbon and energy retrofit, not least because of the value of architectural landmarks to local identity and tourism. The image fixes period objects and surrounding context within Perth,Scotland,UK at one identifiable point, providing a benchmark against changing commercial priorities. Further associations within the scene are cityscape history, heritage landmark, historic streetscape, everyday life, documentary photography, regional identity, contemporary social history, and changing streetscape. The recorded references to shadows, Passengers, Scotland, railway, and platform preserve clues about how the subject was presented, used or understood at the time. Around Perth,Scotland,UK, apparently routine details can become historically useful once businesses close, buildings change use or familiar features disappear. The image also provides a reference for embodied carbon and the balance between conservation, retrofit and modern accessibility when considered against later change at Perth,Scotland,UK. Another useful connection is planning control and the value of architectural landmarks to local identity and tourism without losing the local specificity of Perth,Scotland,UK. The scene captures a trace of local identity for future local research.
Perth,Scotland,UK
Description
Keywords: Lancashire,night,dusk,nighttime,time,platform,at,the,Station,Lancs,England,UK,GB,Great,Britain,logo,livery,rail,railway,franchise,TOC,train,operating,company,319375,class,319,Class319,Serco,Abellio,Abelio,United Kingdom,Northern Electric,Northern Rail,Class 319,Class 319 electric trains,GoTonySmith,service,paint,paintwork,NorthWest,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy F89PJM - . Photographed at Wigan North Western Station, Wigan, Lancs, England, UK in 2015, this detailed documentary image records the subject within its real surroundings and preserves a specific stage in the life of the location. The principal subject is Northern Electric Trains at Wigan North Western Station, Lancs,England, UK, 319375. Another layer of the photograph includes local character, integrated transport, railway branding, community identity, mass transit, before-and-after reference, historical comparison, public realm, documentary photography, place identity, commuter travel, urban rail transport, rail corridor, and everyday life. In present-day coverage, the subject reaches into accessibility and fares, not least because of the archival value of railway branding and infrastructure as operators change. For later comparison, the photograph preserves transport arrangements and footfall at Wigan North Western Station, Wigan, Lancs, England, UK, details that may look very different after changing commercial priorities. The wider setting retains connections with passenger railway, archival record, rail modernisation, changing streetscape, trackside heritage, local history, regional identity, and regional rail. The recorded references to 319375, Western, Lancs, Trains, and Station preserve clues about how the subject was presented, used or understood at the time. The period setting at Wigan North Western Station, Wigan, Lancs, England, UK helps place the main subject within real social and physical surroundings rather than isolating it as an abstract object. The scene further reflects accessibility and how rail stations anchor city-centre mobility and regeneration without losing the local specificity of Wigan North Western Station, Wigan, Lancs, England, UK. The scene captures a trace of local identity within the wider story of Wigan North Western Station, Wigan, Lancs, England, UK.
Wigan North Western Station, Wigan, Lancs, England, UK
Description
Keywords: Lancashire,night,dusk,nighttime,time,platform,at,the,Station,Lancs,England,UK,GB,Great,Britain,logo,livery,rail,railway,franchise,TOC,train,operating,company,319375,class,319,Class319,Serco,Abellio,Abelio,United Kingdom,Northern Electric,Northern Rail,Class 319,Class 319 electric trains,GoTonySmith,service,paint,paintwork,NorthWest,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy F89PJR - . This location-specific image from Wigan North Western Station, Wigan, Lancs, England, UK in 2015 provides a visual record of the subject in everyday context, useful for both contemporary editorial work and later historical comparison. The principal subject is Northern Electric Trains at Wigan North Western Station, Lancs,England, UK, 319375. The broader subject matter reaches into trackside heritage, local history, archival record, everyday life, period detail, changing streetscape, before-and-after reference, commuter travel, passenger railway, changing land use, visual archive, rail infrastructure, mass transit, and rail corridor. In present-day coverage, the subject reaches into fares and station investment, not least because of the role of public transport in reducing congestion and emissions. Small period details of landscape treatment and surrounding development at Wigan North Western Station, Wigan, Lancs, England, UK may become more significant with time, particularly following refurbishment. Other useful contextual ideas include social history, rail mobility, public realm, regional rail, rail modernisation, transport interchange, place identity, and regional identity. The combination of Western, Trains, Northern, Lancs, and 319375 anchors the frame to a recognisable activity, place or moment. By fixing the subject within Wigan North Western Station, Wigan, Lancs, England, UK, the image preserves more than the headline object or building: it records part of the locality's everyday history. The setting also helps illustrate fares and the archival value of railway branding and infrastructure as operators change without losing the local specificity of Wigan North Western Station, Wigan, Lancs, England, UK. The image also provides a reference for rail reform and the role of public transport in reducing congestion and emissions in a form that can be compared with future views of Wigan North Western Station, Wigan, Lancs, England, UK.
Wigan North Western Station, Wigan, Lancs, England, UK
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Diesel Multiple Unit,Carriage,Diesel,platform,at platform,England,TOC,Network Rail,Rail Project,DMU,Railway Station,Merseyside,North West England,UK,NorthernRail,Train,better connections,railway upgrade plan,rail improvements,improvement,rail improvement,Train Operating Company,franchise,passengers,Northern by Arriva,Arriva,Northern,Transforming Rail Travel For The North,Rail Travel For The North,blue,yellow,logo,Working together to build the Northern Powerhouse,Northern Powerhouse Project,RMT Union,lack of drivers,shortages,RMT
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PCTA56 - Northern Railway Train, DMU, Lime Street Railway Station, Liverpool, Merseyside, North West England, UK, with train driver is a useful documentary subject because it fixes a recognisable place, object or activity in its real setting rather than presenting it as a staged illustration. Railway carriages, platforms and station approaches are everyday public spaces where national transport policy becomes visible in delays, rolling stock, staffing, safety, accessibility and passenger comfort. The scene suits transport features on regional connectivity, rail investment, commuting, city-region economies and the difference between headline infrastructure schemes and ordinary journeys. The location detail, Liverpool, strengthens searches for regional features, travel pages, local-history pieces and news use where a named place matters. Relevant editorial themes include railway station, passenger rail, train travel and public transport, with each theme rooted in the visible subject, place or activity. It would suit newspaper, magazine, web, council, transport, heritage, housing, retail, travel or social-commentary use where a believable, unpolished view of real life is more valuable than a generic illustration.
Lime St, Liverpool, England UK L1 1JD
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Diesel Multiple Unit,Carriage,Diesel,Diesel Carriage,platform,at platform,England,TOC,Network Rail,Rail Project,DMU,Railway Station,Merseyside,North West England,UK,NorthernRail,Train,better connections,railway upgrade plan,rail improvements,improvement,rail improvement,Train Operating Company,franchise,passenger,passengers,Northern by Arriva,Arriva,Northern,Transforming Rail Travel For The North,Rail Travel For The North,blue,yellow,logo,Working together to build the Northern Powerhouse,Northern Powerhouse Project
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PCTA57 - . A close documentary record depicts the working environment around Lime St, Liverpool, England UK L1 1JD, in a scene preserved from 2018. The scene is specifically associated with Northern Railway Train, DMU, Lime Street Railway Station, Liverpool, Merseyside, North West England, UK. The location can also be described in terms of railway operations, rail heritage, commuter transport, sustainable mobility, rail transport, rail modernisation, public transport network, trackside infrastructure, rail infrastructure, regional rail, integrated transport, and rail corridor. In the mid-2020s, network modernisation is increasingly discussed through fares and affordability and town-centre connectivity, with attention turning to more dependable regional connections. Over time, this view of Lime St, Liverpool, England UK L1 1JD can support local-history and planning research by preserving details of appearance, occupation, signage, public access and everyday use that written records may omit. The resulting scene connects with transport interchange, passenger railway, rail mobility, train travel, station environment, mass transit. Other local associations include Great North Rail Project, NorthernRailway, GNRP, Northern Powerhouse, 150136. Its context additionally embraces passenger connectivity, and intercity travel. Current debate around passenger rail often combines decarbonisation, reliability and the practical challenge of better links with buses and trams. The combination preserved here provides evidence of changes of use, public activity, local character, the appearance of the built environment, and period design as an authentic period reference. As the location changes, the frame remains a reference for community life, commercial identity, signage and branding, local continuity, and physical infrastructure at this precise location. It also preserves local character as part of the area's social history.
Lime St, Liverpool, England UK L1 1JD
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,rail,BR,infrastructure,West Midlands,England,UK,transport,public,WCML,West Coast Main Line,Victoria Rd,Tamworth,B79 7JT,B79,Staffordshire,Staffs,overhead,cable,electrified,morning,sunrise,electrification,early,sign,signs,TOC,train,operating,company,managed,by,cuts,services,route,routes
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2M84KJT - Tamworth is a split-level railway station which serves the town of Tamworth in Staffordshire, England. It is an interchange between two main lines
the Cross Country Route and the Trent Valley section of the West Coast Main Line (WCML). It has four platforms: Two low-level platforms (1 and 2) on the WCML, and, at a right-angle to, and passing over these, are two high-level platforms (3 and 4) served by the Cross Country Route. Historically there were chords connecting the two lines, but there is no longer any rail connection between them.
The original station was opened on 12 August 1839[1] by the Birmingham and Derby Junction Railway, a forerunner of the Midland Railway, on its original route from Derby to Hampton-in-Arden meeting the London and Birmingham Railway for London. Later, in 1842, the B&DJ built a branch to Birmingham, terminating at Lawley Street railway station.
Tamworth high level platforms, looking north.
On 26 June 1847 the London and North Western Railway opened its Trent Valley Line passing at a right angle beneath the original Birmingham and Derby line with a new joint station designed by John William Livock.
The joint station did not acquire the High Level and Low Level names until 1924. Since it was expected that only local trains would call, the low level platforms were on loops, with the running lines left clear for expresses. At that time there was a north to west curve linking the, by then, Midland Railway line with the LNWR line. This curve was opened in 1847, and closed in March 1969
Victoria Rd, Tamworth, Staffordshire,West Midlands, England, UK, B79 7JT
Description
Keywords: HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,GoTonySmith,train,public transport,Waverley,station,railway,Scotland,UK,platform,rail,Edinburgh,new,new livery,blue,British Rail,BR,TPE,TOC,train operating company,franchise,Civity,EMU,roiling stock,route,routes,night,at night,Edinburgh Waverley Station,Edinburgh Waverley,Station,regional passenger train,Spanish,rolling stock,manufacturer,Spain,Nova 2,Eversholt Rail Group
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2ANMBDK - The CAF Civity is a platform of regional passenger trains which is manufactured by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF. Available as both a diesel and electric multiple unit, the Civity was first launched in 2010 and received its first order two years later.
Train length: 43140.2 m (141 ft 1 in460 ft 0 in)
Weight: c. 100 t (98.4 long tons
110.2 short tons)
Built at: Irun
Zaragoza
Newport
The British Rail Class 397 Civity is built by Spanish rolling stock manufacturer CAF for lease to TransPennine Express by Eversholt Rail Group
Announcement of new trains was made by FirstGroup when it was confirmed that they would become the next operator of the TransPennine Express franchise from 1 April 2016. In May 2016 it was announced by TransPennine Express that they had ordered twelve five-car electric multiple units from CAF to replace the fleet of ten four-car Class 350/4 Desiro units which presently operate TransPennine Express services between Liverpool, Manchester and Scotland.
Testing of the first set began at the Velim railway test circuit in July 2018.
An option for up to 22 extra units was available to TransPennine Express, but it was not exercised.
Mainline testing of the Class 397 was carried out from Manchester International Depot, operating between the depot and Carlisle via Crewe, the test runs being operated by Rail Operations Group.
Waverley, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Dec 2019,Virgin Trains,franchise,TOC,train operating company,delays,complaints,WBQ,train,rail,railway,UK,England,British Rail,British,Avanti West Coast,re-brand,rebranded,new brand,Avanti FirstGroup TrenItalia,Warrington,Cheshire,advert,advertisement,publicity,evening,Class390,WCP,Pendolino,platform,station,EMU,WA1,passengers,customer,RMT,dispute
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2AJRRHJ - Avanti West Coast is a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by FirstGroup (70%) and Trenitalia (30%) that began operating the West Coast Partnership franchise on 8 December 2019. It replaced Virgin Trains, which had operated the franchise since 1997.
In November 2016, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that the InterCity West Coast franchise would be superseded by the West Coast Partnership (WCP), which would include operating High Speed 2 (HS2) services from 2026.
The DfT required that bidders have experience in high-speed trains and infrastructure, hence all partnered with an existing high-speed operator. In June 2017, the DfT announced that three consortia had been shortlisted to bid for the franchise:
FirstGroup (70%) / Trenitalia (30%)
MTR Corporation (75%) / Guangshen Railway Company (25%)
Stagecoach (50%) / SNCF (30%) / Virgin Group (20%)
In August 2019 the DfT awarded the franchise to the First Trenitalia consortium with Avanti West Coast to commence operations on 8 December 2019. Some uncertainty remains as the Competition and Markets Authority launched a merger inquiry into the award of the franchise following a referral from the European Commission
Avanti West Coast initially operates the same services as Virgin Trains on the West Coast Main Line. When High Speed 2 opens, it will also operate these services.
Warrington Bank Quay, Cheshire, england, UK, WA1 1LW
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,HotpixUK,@HotpixUK,Scotland,UK,Edinburgh,EH1,rail,capital,service,services,public,transport,city,centre,EH1 3EG,engine,EMU,electric,mainline,800108,TOC,RMT,ASLEF,at,platform,R,British Rail,Class,800,Intercity,Express,train,bi-mode,biMode,multiple unit,Hitachi,AT300,IET
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy 2KRXPMF - The British Rail Class 800 Intercity Express Train or Azuma is a type of bi-mode multiple unit train built by Hitachi for Great Western Railway and London North Eastern Railway. The type uses electric motors powered from overhead electric wires for traction, but also has diesel generators to enable trains to operate on unelectrified track. It is a part of the Hitachi AT300 product family.
The Class 800 was produced under the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) as a replacement for the Intercity 125 and Intercity 225 fleets of high speed trains. The trains were manufactured by Hitachi between 2014 and 2018, assembly being performed at the Hitachi Newton Aycliffe facility, alongside the related Class 801, from bodyshells shipped from the Kasado plant in Japan
no body construction takes place in the UK. As well as resembling the Class 801, the units are also very similar to the Class 802 units, which have uprated diesel engines and larger fuel tanks.
Waverley railway station, Edinburgh city centre, Scotland, UK, EH1 3EG
Description
Keywords: BR,British,Rail,Fam,child,Children,offpeak,off,peak,off-peak,cheap,travel,transport,train,trains,Warrington,to,Manchester,NW,North,West,NorthWest,England,commuter,travel,traveler,rail,card,TOC,discount,cheaper,Family Rail Card,British Family Rail Card,Cheap Travel,train operating companies,GoTonySmith,Warringtonians,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,train operating company
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy ED9D43 - . Family & friends UK railcard with tickets. Photographed at Warrington, stock-photo/gotonysmith-England.html?sortBy=relevant&pseudoid=237DAF28-A4ED-4448-8173-C0E81ABEEC6F Target=_Blank>England, United Kingdom. The photograph was taken on 06 December 2014. This editorial stock image documents the subject as it appeared at that time, preserving a clear record of the place, its appearance and the everyday details surrounding it. The scene is closely associated with Family, friends, railcard, tickets, Rail, Fam, child, Children, offpeak and off, adding specific subject detail and useful search context without losing the documentary focus on the main subject. The scene has strong relevance to railway travel, public transport, passenger infrastructure and the everyday operation of Britain's rail network. It can illustrate editorial stories about stations, train journeys, commuting, regional connectivity, rail investment, rolling stock, freight, signals, platforms, accessibility and the relationship between railways and the places they serve. Visible railway furniture, signs, tracks, platforms, trains, signals or station buildings help place the photograph firmly in the practical environment experienced by passengers and railway staff. As a dated documentary image it also offers a useful record of transport infrastructure, branding and passenger facilities at the time the photograph was made. Search themes include British rail travel, railway stations, passenger journeys, tracks, platforms, signals, rolling stock, freight, regional connectivity and transport infrastructure. The scene is particularly useful for illustrating how railway facilities, signs and operational surroundings looked at a known point in time. The combination of a named subject, precise location and capture date gives the image particular value to editors who need a real, identifiable place rather than a generic illustrative photograph. This particular view is catalogued under Alamy image reference ED9D43, distinguishing it from other photographs of the same or related subject.
Warrington, England, United Kingdom
Description
Keywords: GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,at,North Lanarkshire,Scotland,UK,Train,Red,325007 royal mail,DB,DB Schenker,Schenker,TOC,train operating Company,class325,Class 325,BR,British Rail,mail train,sorting,office,WCML,West Coast Main Line,post train,postal train,British Rail Class 325,EMU,Class 319 EMU,electric multiple unit,Overhead,lines,Class350,class 350,TOPS,numbers,oleo buffers,Class 325 fleet,DB Cargo UK,Train for post
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy PCTA1E - The British Rail Class 325 is a 4-car dual-voltage 25 kV alternating current (AC) or 750 V direct current (DC) electric multiple unit (EMU) train used for postal train services. While the Class 325 bears a resemblance to the Networker series of DMUs and EMUs, they are based on the Class 319 EMU. The Class 325 was British Rail's newest unit to take over parcels workings on electrified lines.
In the early 1990s, the parcels sector of British Rail was seeking a fleet of multiple units that would be more cost-effective to run than the locomotive hauled stock it was using. The initial proposal was to convert a number of redundant Class 307 units that were in the process of being withdrawn from passenger service into Class 300 parcels units. Owing to the age of these units however, it was subsequently decided to procure a fleet of new trains. These units, which were ordered in 1994, were initially given the TOPS classification Class 350, before being changed to Class 325.
The 16 units were built at ABB Derby between 1995 and 1996. They are very similar to Class 319 units, sharing the same traction equipment and body design, but are fitted with cabs of the same design as the ABB Networker family.
TOPS numbers are on the front of the cabs under the driver's window in a non-standard typeface (Plantin, the then corporate typeface of Royal Mail), and the units were numbered 325001 - 325016. The units are fitted with large round oleo buffers, and have no gangways between carriages. They carry a livery of Royal Mail red, with two yellow stripes running along the lower bodyside before turning sharply backwards and pointing up towards the roof, black cab window surrounds and a full yellow warning panel. Each set is made up of four cars, with roller doors in place of sliding ones and no windows. Each car has two roller shutter sliding doors on each side and is designed to hold up to 12 tonnes. They have a pantograph to pick up power from the 25 kV AC overhead lines, and also a s
Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, Scotland
Description
Keywords: @HotpixUK,Gotonysmith,Northern,Northern Rail,old,Train,carriage,Birchwood,Warrington,Cheshire,England,UK,British Rail,BR,TOC,Train Operating Companies,Train Operating Company,journey,passenger,passengers,franchise,Northern Franchise,failed passengers,Arriva UK Trains,widespread delays,142 Pacer,DMU,seat,seating,poor,dirty,tired,historic,moving,railbus,railbuses,rail bus,Pacer Train,BREL,seats
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy MNFT9T - Pacer is the operational name of the British Rail stock-photo/gotonysmith-Class.html?sortBy=relevant&pseudoid=237DAF28-A4ED-4448-8173-C0E81ABEEC6F Target=_Blank>Classes 140, 141, 142, 143 and 144 diesel multiple unit railbuses, built between 1980 and 1987. Intended as a short-term solution to a shortage of rolling stock (with a lifespan of no more than 20 years), as of 2018 many Pacer railbuses are still in use.
The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations require that all public passenger trains must be accessible to disabled people by 2020. Only one Pacer (the modernised 144e) currently meets this requirement, and the remainder will therefore need to be withdrawn by that date unless they receive an extensive refurbishment. Porterbrook, which owns the Class 143 and Class 144 fleets, has proposed such a refurbishment for the rest of the fleet, while Angel Trains, which owns the Class 142 fleet, does not see such a refurbishment as a viable option
Description
Keywords: WCML,repayment,rebate,TOC,compensation,for,late,rail,journey,DelayRepay,VirginTrains,timetable,NRCoT,late,trains,train,franchise,privatised,renationalised,private,fragmented,infrastructure,railway,refund,Train Operating Company,West Coast Trains Limited,West Coast Trains Ltd,GoTonySmith,@HotpixUK,Tony,Smith,UK,GB,Great,Britain,United,Kingdom,English,BR,Scottish,British,Welsh,problem,with,problem with,issue with,TOC,TOCs,transport,tour,tourism,tourists,urban,fail,infrastructure,delay,delays,delayed.late,later,Expensive,ticket,price,prices,Buy Pictures of,Buy Images Of,Images of,Stock Images,Tony Smith,United Kingdom,Great Britain,British Isles,train operating companies,National Rail Conditions of Travel,ticket prices
Description: Tony Smith image Alamy HEJ5K6 - The National Rail Conditions of Travel (NRCoT) are a contractual document setting out the consumer's rights and responsibilities when travelling on the National Rail railway network in Great Britain. These replaced the National Rail Conditions of Carriage (NRCoC) as of October 1st 2016.
When a train ticket is purchased, a contract is established. The NRCoT are the principal terms of that contract between traveller and train operating company (TOC), which have been established by the Rail Settlement Plan, which is part of the Association of Train Operating Companies. The document is available for public viewing at the National Rail website, and also as a free PDF download.
Additional terms do apply to travellers, primarily from two sources:
For certain ticket types (such as those purchased at discount in advance), the TOCs concerned apply additional terms and conditions on top of the NRCoT.
The NRCoT cover the entitlement and restrictions of travellers, however they are not the only document to do so. Under the Transport Act 2000 (section 219), the Railway Bylaws also apply, though more generally.
Whilst the NRCoT are referred to on all train tickets, at stations, and on internet sites selling tickets for rail travel, very few travellers ever bother to read the document, unless they find themselves in dispute with a rail company on some matter. They are, however, of use to the consumer, because they afford considerable rights to the traveller with regards ticket validity. This has become a matter of significant public interest recently, in view of the complex and convoluted pricing structure of rail tickets in Great Britain.
Warrington, England, UK
