Members of the RMT are being asked to vote on whether to continue industrial action on the railways between now and April. The ballot closes on 15 November. The RMT has already staged several strikes of staff at Network Rail and most train operators in its dispute over pay and conditions. Network Rail is reported to be making a revised offer, but no details have been published yet. 

New transport secretary to be questioned by MPs

New transport secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan is to face questions for the first time from the Commons Transport Select Committee at 09.30 tomorrow. Among the topics expected to be raised are the controversial proposal to require a minimum level of staff to stay on duty during strikes and the current policy on Northern Powerhouse Rail. She is also likely to be asked about plans to modernise the railways.

First of new fleet runs on West Midlands Railway

The first of a fleet of new Class 196 diesel units built by CAF carried passengers on West Midlands Railway from Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street yesterday. The unit was named ‘Charles Darwin’ by the High Sheriff of Shropshire Selina Graham last week. WMR said its new fleet of 26 trains will have 25 per cent more capacity than the units it will replace. The trains include ‘intelligent’ air conditioning, plug and USB chargers at every seat and more luggage space.