Rail Live 2019: GWR to run direct passenger services

Great Western Railway is to operate four passenger services between Paddington and Long Marston in support of Rail Live.

The special trains will call at Reading, Oxford and Honeybourne en route to the Quinton Rail Technology Centre, with an additional stop at Didcot Parkway for the first service to the event.

Subject to operational requirements, GWR plans that the first and last services will be formed of a Class 802, with the middle services to use a ‘Turbo’ diesel multiple unit.

GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: “We are pleased to be able to support Rail Live 2019 by making it easier for visitors to get to and from the event. This is a really important industry event which has been growing year on year, and this year is shaping up to be bigger and better than before.”

On-track exhibits at Rail Live are to include Britain’s first full-sized hydrogen-powered train - Porterbrook’s HydroFLEX - and Vivarail’s battery Class 230. The show will also feature the debut of Porterbrook’s ‘Innovation Hub’ train which showcases products from various suppliers (RAIL 877), while Network Rail will exhibit its unique Class 950 Track Recording Unit.

NR’s significant presence will also include a survey helicopter, Kirow crane and High Output Ballast Cleaner, while speakers will include the organisation’s Chief Executive Andrew Haines, Chief Technology Officer Andy Doherty and Managing Director of Route Services Susan Cooklin. Other high-profile speakers expected to attend include Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling.

This year, Rail Live will also feature a dedicated ‘Apprenticeship Zone’, where the Young Rail Professionals will promote the industry as a place to work. Rail Forum Midlands CEO Elaine Clark will talk on how to become an apprentice, and how to become an organisation that offers apprenticeships.

The British Transport Police will bring a command vehicle, firearms team, CCTV van and public order section, while its dogs team will carry out a display.

‘Yellow Plant’ to be displayed at the event includes Pro Rail Service’s RRV Drainage Suction Unit, developed in conjunction with NR. Pro Rail is also due to bring a Doosan 270 Heavy Lift RRV Excavator, as well as drainage and topographical surveying equipment.

Among other exhibitors is digital, energy management and automation specialist Schneider Electric, which will be taking its largest ever stand to demonstrate aspects from rolling stock sensors to signalling power systems.

The Rail Alliance is again organising the NR plant awards dinner, which will run in association with the event on the evening of June 19 (for enquiries, email [email protected])

To be held at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre in Long Marston on June 19/20, Rail Live is expected to be attended by more than 6,000 people and 250-plus exhibitors.

• Rail Live is a trade show for individuals working in the rail industry. You will need to register with a verified industry email address to attend. For more details, including the agenda, see www.raillive.org.uk

GWR’s Rail Live specials

Outward

Paddington  0705

Reading       0733

Didcot Parkway    0800

Oxford        0815

Honeybourne        0902

Long Marston       0951

Paddington  1036

Reading       1107

Oxford        1133

Honeybourne        1223

Long Marston       1314

Return

Long Marston       1330

Honeybourne        1414

Oxford        1452

Reading       1525

Paddington  1555

Long Marston       1650

Honeybourne        1737

Oxford        1822

Reading       1855

Paddington  1922

Tickets

From Paddington

Peak (0705 departure): Standard Return £89; First Class Return £169.

Super Off-Peak (1036 departure): Standard Return £56.90; Off-Peak First Class Return £116.60.

From Reading

Peak (0705 Paddington departure): Standard Return £68.60; First Class Return £109.60.

Off-Peak (1036 Paddington departure): Standard Return £31.30; Off-Peak First Class Return £74.50.

Tickets will also be available from Didcot, Oxford and Honeybourne.

Tickets are to be available for purchase shortly. Check @GWRhelp for details.

For more information…

Regular updates and more information on attending Rail Live is available at www.raillive.org.uk

• For more information on visiting the show, contact Katie Gordon-Hill at r[email protected]
• To enquire about exhibiting or for information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Julie Howard ([email protected])