trying to buy #DeutschlandTicket from abroad - until Feb I used to do it via deutschlandticket.de (Transdev) but they switched from SEPA only to credit card only and the billing address can only be D, A, CH - while my card is a UK one. DB navigator app has SEPA with scary looking identity checks that don't work with my (German) online banking. VRR app doesn't like my device. Any suggestions? @seatsixtyone#travel#germany#railways
A map of the Alexandra Dock (Newport) railway as it was in 1919.
The restricted nature of the 1835 Newport Town Dock led to the development of plans for an additional dock (Alexandra Dock) built on a much larger scale incorporated by an Act of 6 July 1865.
During construction of the dock itself, bulk landfill materials were stored near Ty Trist Colliery in Tredegar, in sidings just off the LNWR line.
Is Avanti West Coast the next failing (under-performing) rail franchise to be taken into state hands to resolve the wide-spread problems with its service?
Certainly across the North there are wide spread calls for state action, not least as it appears Avanti lied about improving services ahead of its contract renewal.
Given rail is a key element in any green transition the continuing failure to deliver a reliable & affordable service is a major green issue!
A knock on effect of the chaotic management of the railways in the last decade(s) has been its impact on the manufacture of rolling stock.
While always cyclical, in the current economic environment, firms are less willing to weather periods of low demand & as a result both major manufacturers (Alstom & Hitachi) are now about to lay off staff and are warning about a permanent loss of domestic rolling stock production capacity.
Another aspect of UK's enduring infrastructure 'problem'
Jeez it's a bit chilly here on Platform 1 at Violet Town Station. Seems I'm the only person in town who's in the market for the 18.59 train to Melbourne on a Tuesday.
Why when the NHS is in crisis does the 'solution' seem to be increased private healthcare, but when the railways hit crisis point, it was finally the state that had to step in...
The solution to constrained funding is not to introduce more suppliers who by their very market character need to make a surplus out of any available funding....
And yes, in Wes' terms... if saying that makes me a middle-class Leftie - then so be it!
A Gronk does what it does best, shunting stock to release 0-6-0 saddle tank 1919 "Cranford" for the next passenger turn at Bitton on the Avon Valley Railway #railways#photography
A one-carriage special hauled by 0-6-0 saddle tank engine 1919 "Cranford" approaches Oldland Common on the 50th anniversary of the Avon Valley Railway today #railways#steam