Inside Track
Welcome to LNER’s new LinkedIn newsletter where we will share our news and important updates about the East Coast Main Line.
In this edition, we are pleased to bring you some exciting news about recent developments at LNER, including the announcement of new tri-mode trains.
We are also adding more services and thousands more seats on trains between Yorkshire and London on Sundays.
We celebrate our colleague Monika Stepien receiving a prestigious award, find out about the new fourth edition of our popular?Green Guide?series and much more.?
If you would like to receive this newsletter directly to your inbox, please subscribe .
FIRST TRI-MODE LONG DISTANCE TRAINS FOR THE EAST COAST MAIN LINE??
LNER is pleased to confirm that CAF has been named as the successful bidder to deliver a fleet of 10 new tri-mode trains for LNER. Porterbrook has been chosen as the financier of the new fleet. The trains will be able to operate in electric, battery or diesel mode. ?
Benefits of tri-mode trains range from a reduction in emissions, particulates, noise and vibration pollution, lower maintenance and operating costs and upgradeable technology, with an expected increase in range and performance as technology develops further. Battery power reduces the need to use diesel traction in areas where overhead powerlines are not available. ?
Complementing the modern Azuma fleet of 65 trains, the new ten-coach trains will help LNER achieve its vision of becoming the most loved, progressive and trusted train operator in the UK, delivering an exceptional service for the customers and communities served along its 956-mile network. ?
This new fleet of trains will keep LNER on track to reduce its emissions by 67 per cent by 2035 and be net zero by 2045. LNER has already reduced carbon emissions by 50 per cent compared with 2018/19. Per mile, LNER trains produce 15 times less carbon emissions than a domestic flight. ?
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “Successfully delivering this new fleet is an integral part of LNER’s Business Plan. Our focus is ensuring we create a fleet that truly matches the needs of all our customers, with clear targets on setting new standards for comfort, accessibility, and exceptional customer service.” ??
LNER'S MONIKA RECOGNISED FOR LIFE-SAVING ACTIONS
LNER colleague Monika Stepien has received a prestigious life-saving award in recognition of her bravery and quick-thinking after she alerted two workers on the track to potential danger.
Monika, who works at Durham Railway Station, noticed two people working south of the station during the early hours of the morning in February this year. Recent major engineering upgrade work in the area meant it wasn’t unusual to see people on the track. However, Monika still thought it best to check that the line had a “block” in place – ensuring no trains would be passing through.
On checking, the Station Customer Service Assistant discovered there was no line block in place and Monika also saw that a freight train was heading in the workers' direction.
Quick-thinking Monika dashed to the track, warning the team that they were in danger and she advised them to jump onto the platform.?The workers had their backs facing the oncoming train, meaning they wouldn’t have had much warning if Monika had not intervened.?
Monika was awarded a LifeSaver Award at the distinguished National Rail Awards 2023, the "rail industry Oscars”, for her quick-thinking and decisive actions.?? ?
LNER CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS OF SUPPORTING CALM
LNER recently marked a milestone of five-years in partnership with suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) during which customers and colleagues have raised more than ￡530,000 for the cause.
To mark the occasion, LNER and CALM collaborated to launch a newly liveried train, named ‘You Belong’. The name was chosen as creating a sense of belonging is a key part of protecting everyone across the UK against suicide. CALM is there for anyone who's struggling with life, providing life-saving services 365 days a year to ensure no-one ever feels like there's nowhere to turn.
The brightly liveried train now runs the full length of the LNER route from the Scottish Highlands to London King’s Cross. It joins the Azuma train fleet as the third named train, along with ‘Century’ and ‘Together’ which both launched earlier this year.
GREAT NEWS FOR YORKSHIRE: MORE SERVICES & LONGER TRAINS
LNER is meeting an increase in demand from leisure travellers by adding more services and thousands more seats on trains between Yorkshire and London every Sunday.
Sundays are now one of the most popular days for journeys with 30 per cent more customers travelling across the 956-mile LNER network than in 2019.
To support the increase in demand, LNER will be introducing three additional Sunday services into its timetable - two between Leeds and London King’s Cross and one between Doncaster and London.
In addition, LNER is also providing thousands more seats for customers - as eight existing Sunday services will be served by longer trains. The current five carriage services will be replaced with either nine or ten carriage Azuma trains for destinations including Leeds, Harrogate and Lincoln.
The new services and longer trains will start in December 2023 and are on sale now.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “This is fantastic news for our customers. The data shows more customers are travelling with LNER at weekends, with Sundays proving especially popular. Our plans will provide more than 3000 extra seats from December, while also improving the connectivity for many of our destinations between London and West Yorkshire on Sundays.”
PROGRESS TO THE EAST COAST MAIN LINE DIGITAL SIGNALLING?
Please join us at an exclusive online briefing about the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) which will take place on Wednesday 22 November, from 10:00 to 11:00.
The ECDP will see the introduction of in-cab, digital signalling for trains running up and down the East Coast Main Line from London King’s Cross, resulting in a more reliable railway for passengers, and lower carbon emissions.
Speakers including LNER’s Managing Director David Horne and Ed Akers, from Network Rail, will be presenting the ECDP programme and outlining how it will help to deliver a more capable and higher performing East Coast Main Line. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
If you would like to attend, please register your interest here . A link to the event will then be sent out in due course.
Customers are also being urged to plan ahead before travelling on Sunday 3 December 2023 as key engineering work takes place as part of the billion-pound ECDP.
On Sunday 3 December, there will be changes to services, with no LNER trains terminating at or departing from London King’s Cross station.
LNER will be operating a reduced service with train services starting and terminating at St Neots. Rail replacement coaches will run between St Neots and Bedford, where passengers can re-join rail services to London St Pancras.
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Dr Linda Wain, Engineering Director at LNER said: “We recognise this important work will see some changes to our services on 3 December. The East Coast Digital Programme is taking our railway into a digital age and will bring long-term benefits for our customers, while also enabling our Azuma fleet of trains to realise their full potential.”
Further ECDP work will take place affecting services on Sunday 24 December. More details will be released regarding this work in due course.
JOIN US ON A BETTER JOURNEY
LNER’s ambition is to be the most responsible way to travel for generations to come. That’s why we’re working hard to embed sustainability, equality and just practices into everything we do.
Being responsible has become a fundamental aspect of our business and essential to our long-term success. This month, we launched A Better Journey, a new identity and set of priorities that underpin our ongoing commitments to do things better for our people, our places and our planet.?
We have big ambitions at LNER including reducing our emissions and hitting net zero by 2045, making rail accessible to all, supporting our communities through investment and connectivity and fostering an inclusive culture so all colleagues can thrive at work.?
This year’s report doesn’t just focus on the numbers though, we wanted it to tell a story and showcases the work that is integral to us delivering on our commitment to be the UK’s most responsible train operator.
LNER AND PARTNERS LAUNCH THE LATEST GREEN GUIDE
LNER has teamed up with leading travel and tourism partners to launch the fourth of our popular?Green Guide?series, bringing travellers sustainable UK travel inspiration.
The latest version of the guide features environmentally friendly traveller tips for people looking to discover the best of the south and east Coasts of England and Scotland with the guide focusing on Leeds, Aberdeen, Canterbury, Folkestone and the King’s Cross St. Pancras area - all under discovered gems.
In the two years since the first?LNER Green Guide?launched, the desire to travel sustainably has been steadily increasing with new research – commissioned by LNER, Southeastern, Visit Kent, St. Pancras International and King’s Cross Neighbourhood – showing 60 per cent of us want to travel more sustainably in the future – a 10 per cent increase on 2021 figures.
David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said: “This autumn, we’re delighted to partner with other leading travel and tourism partners - to bring green travel inspiration to millions dreaming of staycations. We’re lucky to live in a country with vibrant, diverse and beautiful locations all within easy reach by the most sustainable form of transport. Whether you’re looking to explore sweeping scenery, historic landmarks or cities buzzing with life, the possibilities are endless.”
LNER TURNS BACK THE CLOCK TO 1923!
Customers passing through Grantham Railway Station recently were invited to join LNER’s centenary celebrations causing surprise, delight and the taking of many selfies…not a thing back in 1923!
LNER colleagues from across our route were dressed 1923-style, handing out small keepsakes including LNER centenary pin badges, commemorative train tickets, and copies of the LNER Gazette – a special edition newspaper celebrating our history of innovation and excellence.
An acoustic jazz band brought 1920’s atmosphere to the station which was also decorated with some classic LNER vintage posters, courtesy of the National Railway Museum.
We also unveiled a wonderful exhibition of photos of colleagues and customers at Grantham Railway Station over the last century, thanks to a local organisation called Tracks Through Grantham.
As well as surprising many customers, the event seemed to really engage the local community – as well as the Mayor of Grantham and a number of councillors.?
Several local people dropped by with their photos of the station and their memories of family members who used to work for the railway at Grantham.
1923-style Station Master David Horne made sure that the event took place safely, efficiently, and on time!
If you are interested in collaborating with LNER, please email [email protected]
TRANSPORT INNOVATION SUMMIT
Members of LNER’s Digital and Innovation team recently attended the Transport Innovation Summit 2023, which examined how innovations in ticketing and payments, Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) and data – as well as much more – are driving the next stage of evolution in transport.
The innovative conference provided a platform for the team to raise LNER’s innovation and machine learning work, as well as FutureLabs, LNER’s annual innovation accelerator programme.?
At LNER’s stand, the team had positive discussions with colleagues from the Department for Transport, Transport for the North, Transport Focus and SEStran, the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership.?
Ross Welham, LNER’s Lead Digital Research and Innovation Manager, featured in a panel discussion called “Digital Monitoring & Maintenance: Getting the most out of rolling stock” and talked about LNER’s recent deer deterrent trial.
Working in collaboration with Network Rail, we installed an automated deer deterrent system on a stretch of track between Grantham and Peterborough that is a known hotspot for deer. It uses cameras, sensors, sounds and lights to safely deter deer. Since May, 620 deer have been successfully deterred and we are now investigating two more sites to implement the technology.
Find out more about LNER's Digital Team and their work by contacting [email protected]
KEEPING YOU CONNECTED
Between 20 August and 16 September 2023, nearly two million journeys were made on LNER services.
Recent examples of customer feedback include:
“I’m on the 18:15 from Leeds to London King’s Cross. As always, the staff are an absolute pleasure – so attentive.”
“Thank you for your kindness to us! We were blown away!”
“Fabulous crew in First Class on the 13:33 King’s Cross to Leeds today.”
LNER Perks – our loyalty scheme which offers two per cent credit back on every trip, a ￡5 bonus for signing up and lots of other exclusive perks – now has more than 725,000 members.
Social media statistics:
Thanks lner for inviting me of which I have accepted?
Regional Business Development Manager at YPO
1 年Great news about the new trains but it’s a great shame that these trains could not be built here in the UK at Derby.
Interim Reporting Accountant at Leeds Building Society
1 年Very interesting read and I look forward to following some of the links to learn more as soon as I can.