200 years of rail: An opportunity for reform
We have a once-in-a-generation chance to bring decision-making closer to the communities served, says Jason Prince HS2 construction workers mark the 200th anniversary of rail travel at the Colne Valley viaduct As many of you will doubtless know, on the 27th of September 1825, in the north-east of England, the world witnessed...
Cheaper, greener, better!
Karl Holbrook considers how open access train operators are flipping the script on UK train travel Lumo’s all-electric fleet produces significantly lower emissions than planes, aligning with the UK’s Net Zero ambitions Rail is rarely out of the headlines – often for the wrong reasons. High fares, overcrowding, and delays have frustrated passengers...
Rail reforms: What do passengers want?
While much debate has focused on what passengers should want, relatively little attention has been given to what actually works Rail is not always an affordable option BY Anthony Smith The way we buy train tickets in Britain is changing. With the government pressing ahead with rail reform, now is the time...
A world of opportunity
Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, the passenger transport sector is highlighting what it offers Apprentices at First Bus Employers in the passenger transport sector have been using National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-16) to highlight the importance of apprenticeships to their businesses and their work to support them. To mark National ApprenticeshipWeek, this edition...
Do you love or loathe company away days?
Away days can inspire and motivate teams and help to build strong and successful cultures – but they can also go spectacularly wrong The level of debate and passion around customer service from Megabus and Citylink staff was fabulous In the last couple of weeks, I’ve facilitated customer experience training courses and...
Wrightbus aims for ‘white label’ growth
Wrightbus has partnered with Chinese manufacturers to launch Rightech, a new brand that will offer ‘white label’ zero-emission vehicle solutions The Rightech RB9 (left) and RB6 (right) have been sourced from Chinese manufacturer King Long By Andrew Garnett If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, and Ballymena-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus is doing just...
Office investment to support INIT growth
German-based transport technology specialist is expanding its UK operations following capture of Transport for London iBus contract Left to right: Matthias Kuehn INIT chief operating officer, Megan Powell Vreeswijk, chief executive of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Jens Mullak and Juergen Greschner INIT chief corporate offiver cut the ribbon at the refurbished Nottingham office ...
An environment to flourish and learn
With its own bespoke academy, ‘if you want to be an apprentice engineer within the bus industry, First Bus is the place to be’ New First Bus engineering apprentice cohort 2024 First Bus is proud to offer engineering apprenticeships as our commitment to developing future talent and bridging the skills gap in...
Trailblazing apprenticeships – and stotties
Open access rail companies are proving the industry isn’t one-size-fits-all. Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, Karl Holbrook explores how Lumo and Hull Trains are breaking down barriers, boosting diversity, and bringing fresh perspectives to rail… Apprenticeship success stories: Sam Bentley (left) and Mark Rudd The rail industry has often been seen as a...
Green technology, green skills
Fast-growing Wrightbus employs more than 70 apprentices, and is aiming to recruit a further 60 Wrightbus chief executive Jean-Marc Gales (left) with apprentice recruits Apprentices are part of the lifeblood of Wrightbus – the innovative Northern Ireland-based manufacturer that is one of the leading names in zero-emission transport technology. Wrightbus is one...
Celebrating apprenticeships
The passenger transport sector is showcasing success in delivering apprenticeships ahead of National Apprenticeship Week 2025 LNER apprentice train driver Aleena Phull Key players in the passenger transport sector will use National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (February 10-16) to showcase the work they are doing to attract new talent and develop their skills....
Aviation is in the ascendancy