On Trains & Buses

VIA Rail Canada has initiated the co-development phase of the Dorval Multimodal Hub, a new integrated station designed to combine rail services operated by VIA Rail and Exo with a shuttle service to YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. The project aims to improve connectivity between rail, other public transport and the airport, enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of travel in the Montréal West Island.

Construction Kiewit Cie has been selected as the design and construction partner and the project will involve collaboration with several key stakeholders including the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, exo and Aéroports de Montréal. The co-development phase will focus on defining the detailed design, planning the user experience and ensuring seamless integration between different transportation services before construction begins in 2027.

The hub is expected to provide easier transfers, reduce travel times and improve the overall travel experience for passengers. It aligns with VIA Rail’s broader mission to strengthen connections between transportation modes and communities across Canada.

Iarnród Éireann has introduced a revised Autumn timetable in the greater Dublin area from 21^st September to 12^th December to address the challenges posed by seasonal leaf fall, which affects rail adhesion and can lead to delays. The changes primarily involve extended journey times of 1 to 3 minutes on morning and evening peak services on DART and Dublin Commuter routes, with adjustments made to departure and arrival schedules to improve safety and punctuality. These measures are part of a broader strategy that includes vegetation management, water-jetting, traction gel applicators, targeted treatments and on-board sanding systems to mitigate the impact of low rail adhesion.

The UK government has announced a £1 billion contract for the construction of 29 battery-electric trains by Alstom in Derby, which will be delivered from 2032 and replace existing diesel units on the TransPennine Route. These new trains will reduce journey times between key northern cities, support the decarbonisation of rail travel and create over 350 skilled jobs in Derby along with thousands of roles across the supply chain. The fleet will feature level boarding, modern amenities and battery technology for emission-free travel on non-electrified tracks, with charging infrastructure to be installed at key locations. The project is part of the TransPennine Route Upgrade and aims to improve capacity, reliability and passenger experience across northern England.

Direct train services connecting Birmingham New Street with Manchester Airport are set to launch in May 2027. These are expected to improve travel options for passengers in the North and Midlands, though the changeover from existing local services in Cheshire does mean that some stations lose their direct connections with the airport.

The new route will be introduced in two phases, with the first phase beginning in December 2026 and extending the existing Crewe – Stoke – Stafford one to Birmingham New Street. The second phase will see it extended further to Manchester Airport in May 2027.

There also will be additional evening departures, more frequent Sunday services and new connections across the Midlands. Seventeen stations will be served, including key locations such as Wolverhampton, Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe, before reaching Manchester Airport.

The Explorer 55 ticket offers unlimited rail travel for one day within Northern’s Central and West regions at a cost of £19.20, targeting passengers over 55 and allowing flexible travel between key destinations in the North. A separate Northern Explorer pass provides similar on-demand travel across Northern’s network, valid for one to four consecutive days, with activation required before travel and a non-refundable policy once activated. Both options restrict use to Northern-operated services, exclude other train operators and require digital presentation of the pass on a mobile device alongside photo ID. Refunds for unused passes are possible under specific conditions, while children under five travel free and those aged five to 15 pay half the adult fare. Tickets are available through Northern’s website and select ticket offices but not via the app, with purchase windows extending up to 11 months in advance.

Recently, Campaign for Better Transport highlighted some entries to it blog, and they examine how better public transport can support regional regeneration, reduce car dependence and address climate and congestion challenges. First up is the proposed reopening of the 12-mile Skipton–Colne railway, arguing that its largely intact route could improve access to jobs, education, tourism and housing across East Lancashire and Yorkshire, with political and regional cooperation needed to advance the project. Another explains that transport policies increasingly reflect political and cultural identities, making public participation and co-designed solutions important for balancing effectiveness with public acceptance. Germany’s €63 Deutschlandticket demonstrates that simple, affordable fares can increase public transport use and reduce commuting costs, but its effects are gradual and strongest where services are already reliable and well-connected. Overall, pricing reforms, infrastructure investment and locally informed policymaking must work together to produce lasting changes in travel behaviour.

The Campaign for Better Transport’s Bus Mapping Tool, developed with Podaris, assesses bus provision across England using a traffic-light system. The underlying analysis considers weekly services, walking access to bus stops, service frequency, car ownership and local deprivation, scoring each ward against minimum and aspirational standards. The results indicate whether areas need more bus stops, additional services or both, helping providers and local authorities identify priorities for investment. It also is handy for assessing the use of public transport for countryside walking, especially when you realise that quiet countryside areas suffer when it comes to such provision.

Passengers in Cork are set to benefit from the introduction of a new 90-minute fare for city bus services on 20^th July, allowing unlimited transfers within the city for a single price during that time. This follows the implementation of new on-board ticket validators, which enable faster boarding via Leap Card taps while reducing delays and enhancing service reliability.

Fare structures also have been simplified, with adult Leap Card users paying a flat rate of €1.70, with the counterpart being €0.85 for young adults and students, while that for children becomes €0.55. At the same time, cash fares for adults rise to €2.40 and those for children drop to €0.80. However, the old single journey adult Leap Card fares of €1.35 and €1.55 have been replaced, meaning a price increase for many who are not cash users. Nevertheless, free travel passes remain valid, and fare capping is now available.

Due to a major road closure on the A54 Macclesfield Road between 25^th July and 30^th October 2026, High Peak service 58 will be unable to serve the Cat & Fiddle section of its route and will instead divert via Long Hill, Kettleshulme and Rainow. Most journeys will continue beyond Macclesfield Bus Station to serve the Black Road area, though the Burbage area of Buxton will not be served during this period due to the length of the diversion. Revised Monday to Friday, Saturday and Sunday timetables will operate throughout the closure, with the Sunday and bank holiday service continuing to extend to and from Chatsworth House via Bakewell and Monyash as before.

London Northwestern Railway is offering discounted Off-Peak single tickets to London, Birmingham and Liverpool between 29^th June and 31^th August 2026, with prices starting from £7.50 and available for purchase between 22^th June and 6^th July. Tickets must be booked at least seven days in advance, are valid only on London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services and cannot be used for same-zone travel. Discounts apply to specific departure zones, with railcard holders eligible for an additional third-off reduction. The offer includes single tickets only and off-peak restrictions apply on weekdays, though travel is permitted on weekends and bank holidays. Tickets can be purchased through online retailers like TrainSplit or ticket offices but not from station ticket machines, with no booking fees charged by third-party platforms.