Customer News

Passengers on the Esk Valley line can now start their day with a new early morning connection as Northern introduces a new early service from Whitby in December.

• FirstGroup acquires RATP Dev’s sightseeing operations in London and Bath
• The operations include a freehold depot in south west London and a leased depot in Bath
• Bath to Bristol Airport Airdecker service also part of the deal
• Acquisition part of FirstGroup’s growth and diversification strategy and chance to “expand its footprint in two key markets”

Faster, more convenient hearing care will be available closer to people’s home, as part of a radical reform of audiology services.

PXN Ventures, the fastest-growing venture-focused investment firm outside London and the South East, joins existing shareholders to support Orbital’s commercial tidal-stream projects, following new tidal energy licences in Canada

• Council teams up with the University of Reading for this year’s festive event at Reading Minster
• Carols, readings from local dignitaries and university guests, plus performances by the University Choir
• Free entry on Thu 18 Dec, doors open 6:15 pm, BSL interpreted, with refreshments after the service

Network Rail teams will be carrying out essential maintenance on the Essex Thameside line over several weekends in January and February 2026. These works are aimed at keeping the railway safe, reliable, and comfortable for passengers.

One of Islington's most significant housing projects in decades has moved a step nearer, after planning permission was granted for the New Barnsbury Estate redevelopment. 

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has received £46,250 from NHS Charities Together to launch a ground-breaking Neurodiversity Wellbeing Project, providing targeted support for neurodivergent colleagues, including those who are autistic, have ADHD or dyslexia.

• EMR has created a special Aurora experiential pop up at Nottingham station
• The pop up was designed to raise awareness of the EMR and Transport UK's new £400 million fleet and the significant improvements the Aurora's usher in
• It includes hands-on displays, a VR tour and photo area 

It was Leeds Kirkgate Market’s darkest day – but also one that brought the city together in a remarkable show of resilience and fighting spirit.

Motorsport has always been a catalyst for innovation, pushing the limits of technology, performance, and human ambition.

Rail passengers are being reminded to plan their journeys carefully this Christmas and New Year as Network Rail delivers essential engineering work to improve Scotland’s railway. 

Transport for Wales has now electrified 99% of the railway lines in South East Wales as part of the South Wales Metro.

Dudley Council is partnering with community organisation Donate 1 Create 1 to provide Christmas dinner and gifts for care leavers.

A project which aims to reduce pollution and improve the water quality in the River Aire has received vital funding from LNER.

• E.ON Next calls for more clubs to participate in the Greener Game initiative as four grassroots football pioneers save nearly £10,000 collectively, cutting their energy usage by 25%
• New research shows just over two in five consumers in England think grassroots clubs need help cutting bills, while nearly three in five say clubhouse upkeep is vital for long-term success
• England goal-saving legend Rob Green says grassroots teams “are at the heart of their communities.”

Japanese Ambassador joined First Minister at Conwy Castle to sing Welsh national anthem, to mark end of the year of Wales and Japan. 

Motorists are being reminded to remain alert, comply with road signage and never stop on level crossings after repeated scenes of queueing traffic on the railway in Derbyshire.

• Over a third of 5-year-olds in Reading suffer from tooth decay
• 1,800 children across the borough will receive free toothpaste, toothbrushes and brushing sessions