Inflation figures bring rail fare misery for commuters
The rise in inflation means more misery for commuters as train companies can increase fares up by 6.2%. Will the Chancellor step in?
Why are train companies likely to raise fares again?
Today's inflation figures will give an indication of the level of rail fare increase we can expect in January. So what is driving that rise?
Commuters face greater fare hike than expected
Commuters are braced for more misery as inflation figures were higher than expected meaning that train companies can charge more.
Live updates
'Proud uncle' tweets baby Phoebe is 'well and safe'
A man claiming to be the uncle of baby Phoebe, who was born on a commuter train from London Victoria to Kent yesterday evening, has tweeted to say his niece is "well and safe."
#skypapers baby phoebe is well and safe now mum and dad are enjoying the birth of there daughter and am i as im now a uncle for the 2nd time
From @AdamStanleyGFC on Twitter:Slow-motion video of explosion in train carriage
Researchers at Newcastle University have released this footage of controlled explosions in London Underground carriages.
The first explosion shows a decommissioned carriage similar to that targeted by terrorists on the London Underground in 2005.
The second explosion is on a prototype carriage that has been redesigned by engineers to provide better protection for passengers.
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Engineers in position to advice rail industry chiefs
A team of engineers from Newcastle University could be advising rail industry chiefs on the best design approach for bomb-proof trains.
Conor O'Neill, who led the research has admitted that replacing the current trains 'isn't an option'.
He said: "What we've shown is that companies could make some relatively cost-effective and simple modifications that would significantly improve the outcome of an attack."
Controlled explosions carried out for bomb-proof trains
A team of engineers have been experimenting with controlled explosions to understand the impact a bomb has on a train carriage.
New technology has been developed, along with materials which could be fitted into existing carriages, to limit the fallout of a terror attack on train and tube carriages.
- Controlled explosions were carried out on a decommissioned Tube carriage
- High speed cameras slowed down the blast, allowing the impact to be analysed in detail
- A similar test was carried out on a carriage specially built to reduce the damage caused by a bomb detonating inside it
- Blast-protection measures included tethering down ceiling panels, plastic coatings on windows, and the use of lighter energy-absorbing materials
- Engineers investigated dividing carriages with materials that soak up energy and reduce the impact of a blast wave
Blast-resilient trains: Preventing flying objects is 'key'
Engineers from Newcastle have been developing blast-resilient train carriages to minimise the impact that a terror attack might have to the public and emergency services.
– Conor O'Neill, who leads the team from Newcastle University's School of Mechanical and Systems EngineeringPreventing flying objects is the key.
Tethering ceiling panels reduced the risk of fatalities and injury from flying shrapnel and also meant the gangways were kept relatively clear of debris, allowing emergency staff quick access to the injured.
Bomb-proof train carriages could save lives
British engineers are researching bomb-proof train carriages to prevent a repeat of the carnage left by the London Underground terrorist attacks.
Blast-resilient rolling stock has been developed by the EU-funded SecureMetro project, which was launched three years ago.
The project was created to test designs for Tube and overground carriages that minimise injury and death, if a bomb attack was to take place.
Focusing on containing the blast impact, and reducing levels of debris, the research involved a controlled explosion on a decommissioned Tube carriage.
Tests were carried out by the team at Newcastle University's School of Mechanical and Systems Engineering.
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Trains services from Newcastle delayed
NEW: Delays between Newcastle and Darlington until further notice. A signalling problem is causing ... http://t.co/iLUVUhSM #fb
From @nationalrailenq on Twitter:CrossCountry and First TransPennine Express passengers may use East Coast trains between Newcastle and York #ChesterleStreet
From @nationalrailenq on Twitter:London Victoria station re-opens after train fire
#LondonVictoria has now opened for Southern and Gatwick Express services too. Delays up to 50 minutes can be expected until 10:00
From @nationalrailenq on Twitter:Southeastern trains running to and from Victoria
Southeastern are able to run trains to and from #LondonVictoria. Southern and Gatwick Express services are still unable to call at the...
From @nationalrailenq on Twitter:Emergency services attend Victoria station fire
You may have heard, we've been called to a small #fire under a train at #Victoria station. Two crews still at the scene. We'll update soon.
From @LondonFire on Twitter:Today's top stories
