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That is a microcosm of what is deemed as service in the UK these days. Market a product or service as premium, take the money and then erode/change/dismiss/deny until the service no longer delivers what is promised. I got fed up of ultra processed food, the mountain of plastic wrapping that...

You would keep your current salary as it falls within the banding. Obviously, some perks such as private healthcare and the bonus scheme would change. In fact, due to the differential in pay rises, I think you would also sneak into the top of Band 5!

Salary wise - ATME is minimum of £44k plus On Call and Unsociable hours premium. TME is a minimum of £56k plus On Call and Unsociable hours. These are salaried roles. Your likely route would be in the Tech’ teams such as STO and PTO which are paid by the hour. With overtime, you can clear £70k...

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/opening-two-northumberland-line-stations-31996948.amp Looks like Northumberland Park and Bedlington have been pushed into next year.

Is it known what loco', DMU etc. has the most numbers of miles on the network? With 60 year old Class 37s, Class 43s and certain DMUs being flogged for years, I'd imagine there have been some impressive mileages racked up. However, is there an overall champion?

Butterwell Branch? Points and signals all still there and working.

I wonder what the rationale is behind the change?

Also have a look at the Fast Track Technician Scheme that has been rolled out. This is basically the apprenticeship condensed into 18 months. Good luck. I know of an Apprentice who came out of his scheme and went straight into a S&T Team Leader role. £52k basic at 21 years old. Not bad!

ECML for me. I agree it can be boring south of Darlington but Durham, Newcastle bridges, Holy Island, Alnmouth, Royal Border Bridge, all the sea cliffs North of Berwick make up for it. Stations such as Edinburgh Waverley, Newcastle and York have a romantic history to them and Darlington is...

Hopefully, they will double up the units on the hourly service on those weekends.

I know, it’s a perverse situation. You would think it was in interest of the DfT for people to think highly of the railway. If that isn’t the case, why have a marketing budget? Why advertise? The staff that are working get shafted, the passengers get shafted and the image of the railway...

Yes, looks like a route wide problem. Do CrossCountry care about reputational damage?

Fast Track Technician is a scheme that enables you to be a Technician within 18 months. This is accelerated learning and training. For comparisons, Apprentices become Technicians after three years. The Fast Track Scheme is a good scheme with hundreds of applicants and I would recommend it...

Looks like no more Northumberland Line tonight as they try to keep the ECML running at Benton Junction. I’d imagine the locals will be loving i on social media - ‘Told u it was a waste of money!!!’

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2025/Apr/Milestone-reached-as-250-000th-passenger-journey-m.aspx?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7N4qXPlVI2rAsMZUgl7H1HeAH4MOEG_BTjeypo_OONYyWX6Swus-4zFaF-jQ_aem_XXtxOZs0MCQ_dKU9jNFZNg Northern said the major milestone was reached this week, after it began...

Fair play. How much did all that set you back, if you don’t mind sharing?

It is reflecting society. Entitlement is rampant and popularity is gained at all costs. Attention spans last as long as a 15 second video and there is no room for discourse, decorum or nuance as everything is monetised. Politeness and manners are seem as stupid, unworthy and to be mocked. I...

The 2308 from Lumo from Newcastle to Morpeth on a weekday is popular as it lets you have a late one in Newcastle. I’ve got it on a few occasions and it is still well loaded. Combined with LNER looking to stop less at Morpeth, Lumo does fill a gap. Would there not be scope to run 2 x 5 car...

I second this - Hot drinks, sandwiches, cakes and they make a lovely soup in the winter.

Due to engineering work, the Northumberland Line will be closed from Friday 18th April to Monday 21st inclusive will rail replacement buses on. I know that the last trains of the evening for the past few weeks have been RRB due to ongoing works at the stations and this looks like a whole...