The last 12 months have been challenging for many people and organisations as the world responded to the global pandemic. The election at the end of 2019 included manifesto promises that would ensure plenty of updates regarding schemes to enhance the rail network. Although demand was expected to be high, 110 applications to the first two rounds of the Restoring Your Railway Ideas fund demonstrated the number of schemes that interested groups wanted to take forward. It has contributed to another busy year on the site.
I wanted to say thank you to the many readers who visit the site. I really appreciate your feedback both on the site and through social media. Many thanks to the contributors who draw my attention to some of the more interesting items. I also appreciate the small nudges that have corrected geographical, grammatical and numerical oversights.
May I take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year and all the best for 2021.
Openings in 2020
Three railway stations and an extension to a light rail network increased the number of stations and mileage on the UK railway network
Worcestershire Parkway – 23 February 2020
Manchester Metrolink Trafford Centre Extension – 22 March 2020 (with new stops at Wharfside, Imperial War Museum North, Village, Parkway, EventCity, Trafford Centre)
Horden – 29 June 2020
Kintore – 15 October 2020
Expected openings in 2021
Four railway stations are expected to open in 2021.
- Bow Street (February 2021)
- Reading Green Park (summer 2021)
- Portway Park and Ride
- Soham (December 2021)
Four enhancements and a new line are expected to open on the Light Rail and Rapid Transit networks
West Midlands Metro Hagley Road Extension – New Stops: Brindleyplace, Five Ways, Hagley Road
Luton Airport DART – New Stops: Luton Airport, Luton Airport Parkway
London Underground Battersea Northern Line Extension – New Stops: Battersea, Nine Elms
Blackpool Tram Blackpool North Extension – New Stops: Talbot Square, Blackpool North
West Midlands Metro Wolverhampton City Centre Extension – New Stops: Pipers Row, Wolverhampton Railway Station