Oshawa, ON, 2012-09-14 — /travelprnews.com/ — Today, as part of the ongoing modernization of Canada’s national passenger rail service, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance and MP for Whitby Oshawa, Dr. Colin Carrie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health and MP for Oshawa, and VIA Rail Canada officially opened a new overhead walkway and… Read the full news article
Category Archives: Trains
Metrolink expands connectivity with bus partnership to Palm Desert
SunLine Transit Agency to implement Commuter Link 220 on Sept. 10 LOS ANGELES, 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — In its continued effort to expand connectivity throughout Southern California, Metrolink is partnering with SunLine Transit Agency, which will operate a new express bus service between Palm Desert and downtown Riverside beginning Sept. 10. Metrolink passengers who want to… Read the full news article
Canadian Tour Celebrating the 100th Grey Cup: VIA Rail Canada welcomes the Grey Cup on board its train from Vancouver to Halifax
Vancouver, 2012-09-11 — /travelprnews.com/ — VIA Rail Canada is pleased to welcome the Grey Cup on board its train as part of its cross-Canada tour. Celebrating its 100th edition in 2012, yesterday, the Cup began a coast to coast journey to visit one hundred Canadian communities. VIA Rail’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Paul… Read the full news article
SNCB : RÉSULTAT OPÉRATIONNEL MEILLEUR QUE PRÉVU
Grâce au plan d’économies visant un retour à l’équilibre, la SNCB améliore son résultat opérationnel (EBITDA*) ce semestre. 2012-09-07 — /travelprnews.com/ — Le résultat opérationnel du 1er semestre de 2012 confirme la tendance amorcée en 2010. Avec un EBITDA de – 8,5 millions EUR, la SNCB est en avance sur son budget et commence à récolter… Read the full news article
Metrolink’s Rail Safety Month campaign targets distractions near tracks
LOS ANGELES, 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — In observance of Rail Safety Month, Metrolink is joining other railroad agencies across the state to encourage everyone to “Be Track Smart,” with a series of events to emphasize the importance of safe behavior near railroad tracks. In recent years, there have been multiple incidents where individuals from across the… Read the full news article
Metrolink Orange County Line trains delayed up to 45 minutes due to Rail Signal Upgrades on Saturday, Sept. 8
Anaheim station closed on during work; buses provided to passengers departing from and returning to Anaheim LOS ANGELES, 2012-09-06 — /travelprnews.com/ — Due to rail signal upgrades planned on Sept. 8, Metrolink’s Orange County Line trains will not stop at Anaheim and will be rerouted causing up to 45 minute delays to all 600 series trains…. Read the full news article
Virgin Trains welcomes Transport Select Committee hearing on West Coast franchise competition
* Virgin’s bid offers better services to passengers and more secure deal for taxpayers * £800m guaranteed investment to deliver new trains, routes and onboard services 2012-09-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — Virgin Trains today (4 September 2012) backed the decision by the Transport Select Committee to hold a hearing into the West Coast rail franchise competition…. Read the full news article
Eurostar launches its first ad campaign under AMV BBDO
2012-09-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — Eurostar, the high-speed passenger service linking London and mainland Europe has launched its first advertising campaign from newly appointed pan-European creative agency, AMV BBDO. The UK focused campaign, which plays on the cultural exchange between the UK, France and Belgium, launches an attractive price promotion with return journeys form London to Paris… Read the full news article
VIA Rail looking to improve Halifax station property: Seeks partner to develop land adjacent to Halifax station
Halifax, Sept. 4, 2012, 2012-09-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — As part of its ongoing modernization, VIA Rail Canada recently sought expressions of interest (EOI) from a number of potential investors to partner with VIA in the development of some four acres of its property in the area surrounding the Halifax train station. Pre-qualified candidates from the EOI… Read the full news article
Virgin Trains responds to FirstGroup’s proposals for West Coast
2012-09-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Virgin Trains has responded to FirstGroup’s proposals for improvements on the West Coast Main Line which were outlined to Parliament today, 3 September 2012. Normally, under franchise process, the successful bidder sets out a range of ‘franchise obligations’ – legally binding commitments – but none has been published by FirstGroup or the… Read the full news article
Virgin Trains: Concerns were expressed on West Coast Bid process over three years
2012-09-04 — /travelprnews.com/ — Despite the Department for Transport(DfT) and Transport Minister, Justine Greening claiming that Virgin only started challenging the process once they had lost the Bid for the West Coast rail franchise, records show this not to be the case, Tony Collins, Chief Executive Officer for Virgin Rail Group said today: “There must be… Read the full news article
Sir Richard Branson letter to Financial Times
2012-09-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — The following letter from Sir Richard Branson appeared in the Financial Times on 1 September 2012 Dear Sir, Your assertion that Virgin is seeking to re-write the competition rules for the West Coast train franchise (‘No Second Act for Virgin Trains – August 29, 2012) is wrong. On the contrary, we have… Read the full news article
Financial Times story on Saturday 1 September 2012 on West Coast franchise issue
Branson denies contract loss led to concerns By Rose Jacobs and Jim Pickard 2012-09-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Sir Richard Branson has denied the assertion that he only raised concerns about the UK rail franchising process after losing the lucrative contract to run the West Coast main line. In a letter to the FT, Sir Richard said… Read the full news article
FirstGroup’s criticism of West Coast Performance
2012-09-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Tim O’Toole, CEO of FirstGroup, has publicly criticised Virgin Trains’ performance citing the Public Performance Measure (PPM), which measures the number of trains arriving on time, as evidence to support his claims that FirstGroup would operate West Coast better. He has also commented on the number of complaint letters received by the… Read the full news article
Statement re: InterCity West Coast Franchise Award
2012-09-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — We understand that Virgin Rail Ltd a subsidiary of Virgin Rail Group, the joint venture between Virgin Group and Stagecoach Group plc, has brought a legal challenge against the Department for Transport in relation to the recent award of the InterCity West Coast rail franchise to FirstGroup. We have every confidence in… Read the full news article
Virgin challenges First Group on West Coast Bid promises
2012-09-03 — /travelprnews.com/ — Virgin Rail Group (VRG) today challenged FirstGroup(FG) CEO Tim O’Toole to ‘come clean’ on his company’s commitments for the West Coast Main Line franchise after a series of contradictory and unclear statements made to City analysts and MPs. In a 10-question challenge, published below, the company asked for clear evidence of… Read the full news article
VIA Rail’s Second Quarter Results Confirm Need for Modernization Plan
Halifax, 2012-08-31 — /travelprnews.com/ — Following the quarterly meeting of its Board of Directors in Halifax, N.S., VIA Rail Canada released its second quarter 2012 results today. The Corporation’s ridership and revenues were lower than in the same period last year, due partially to continued economic uncertainty affecting travel markets. However, as a result of… Read the full news article
Metrolink to offer exclusive Labor Day service
Antelope Valley Line will have two round trips LOS ANGELES, 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — Metrolink will suspend service on Monday, Sept. 3, in observance of Labor Day, with the exception of two round-trip trains on the Antelope Valley Line. The special Metrolink service will run between Lancaster and L.A. Union Station, with stops at the Glendale,… Read the full news article
Take Metrolink to the Los Angeles County Fair
Monthly passholders can ride Metrolink free during the weekends; Others can take advantage of the $10 Weekend Pass LOS ANGELES, 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — For the 20th consecutive year, Metrolink will offer safe, affordable service directly to the Los Angeles County Fair. On Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month of September, Metrolink’s San Bernardino Line trains… Read the full news article
VIA Rail’s Second Quarter Results Confirm Need for Modernization Plan
Halifax, 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — Following the quarterly meeting of its Board of Directors in Halifax, N.S., VIA Rail Canada released its second quarter 2012 results today. The Corporation’s ridership and revenues were lower than in the same period last year, due partially to continued economic uncertainty affecting travel markets. However, as a result of stringent… Read the full news article
Virgin Trains Limited commences Court proceedings in respect of West Coast Main Line franchise award
Statement by Virgin Trains Limited, 28 August 2012 2012-08-29 — /travelprnews.com/ — “Virgin Trains Limited (VTL) has today commenced Court proceedings in respect of the decision to award the West Coast Main Line franchise to FirstGroup. We have tried for three weeks to get clarity over the Department for Transport’s decision and to have a… Read the full news article
CTC Allocates $60 Million to Metrolink to Upgrade Locomotives and Cab Cars
Project will enable Metrolink to move more people, lower emissions, reduce delays and support the economy LOS ANGELES, 2012-08-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — At its August 22 meeting, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated $60 million in Proposition 1 A bond funds to help pay for much-needed upgrades to Metrolink’s fleet of locomotives and coach cars. This… Read the full news article
78.000 VOYAGEURS EN DIRECTION DE LA CÔTE!
La SNCB a connu un weekend chargé. Avec le beau temps, plus de 78.000 voyageurs ont pris le train en direction de la côte. De plus, beaucoup de festivaliers du Pukkelpop ont regagné leur domicile. 2012-08-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — La SNCB a transporté 78.000 personnes à destination de la côte. C’est la journée de samedi qui… Read the full news article
Concern mounts over transfer of West Coast rail franchise as 100,000 people ask for review
2012-08-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — As more than 100,000 people sign the petition set up by passenger Ross McKillop to force a debate in Parliament on the decision to strip Virgin Trains of the prestigious West Coast rail franchise, celebrities are offering their support. Sir Richard Branson said: ‘In less than a week one hundred thousand of you… Read the full news article
Celebrities back ‘Keep Virgin Trains’ e-petition as it passes 36,000 signature mark
As of 15:15 on August 22 total signatures reaches 50,000 London UK, 2012-08-22 — /travelprnews.com/ — 22 August 2012: High profile celebrities have given their backing to the independently-set up Government-run e-petition to force a debate in Parliament on the decision to strip Virgin Trains of the prestigious West Coast rail franchise. Earlier today the number of… Read the full news article
Expedia Affiliate Network and VIA Rail Canada renew their partnership
London, UK, 2012-08-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Expedia® Affiliate Network (EAN) today announces its renewed partnership with VIA Rail Canada, Canada’s most important national rail passenger service. The deal will give viarail.ca customers access to EAN’s extensive inventory of hotels, totalling nearly 155,000 worldwide. VIA Rail’s Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Steve Del Bosco comments, “We value our partnership with… Read the full news article
Statement: from Sir Richard Branson, Founder Virgin Group
2012-08-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — Following the DFT’s decision to award the West Coast Mainline franchise to FirstGroup, Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, said: “The Government decision to award the West Coast Main Line Franchise to FirstGroup is extremely disappointing for Virgin, and for our staff that have worked so hard to transform this railway… Read the full news article
DfT announcement for new Intercity West Coast franchise
2012-08-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Department for Transport (DfT) has today, Wednesday 15 August, announced that following a bidding competition, Virgin Rail Group will not be operating the new Intercity West Coast franchise which starts on 9 December 2012 and runs through to 31 March 2026. Tony Collins, Chief Executive of Virgin Rail Group, said today:… Read the full news article
Virgin Trains plays its part in 2012 Games success
2012-08-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — Virgin Trains is proud to have played its part in helping Britain deliver a fantastic 2012 Games experience. Chief Operating Officer, Chris Gibb led the Virgin Trains’ planning, supported by Olympic Delivery Manager, Natasha Grice and the company’s Olympic Steering Group. Chris said: “Thanks to the positive efforts and commitment of staff,… Read the full news article
Olympiërs signeren medailles op Thalys
2012-08-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — Op station Brussel-Zuid hebben de medaillewinnaars van het Olympic Team Netherlands de medailles op Thalys gesigneerd. Zij wonnen in Londen bij elkaar 6 gouden, 6 zilveren en 8 bronzen medailles. Treinreis Olympic Team Netherlands Jan-Willem Siebers, Directievoorzitter NS Hispeed verwelkomde het Olympic Team Netherlands aan boord van Thalys: “Wij zijn er trots… Read the full news article