Strikes ++ Train operators are urging passengers to only attempt to travel if they must on the forthcoming strike days of 5, 7 and 9 November. The first and third will affect Network Rail and most  operators, while the strike on the 7th will involve Network Rail staff only. Even so, most lines will have limited services at best on that day because the walkout will include signallers. Many routes will close entirely. Another strike on 10 November will affect London Underground and Overground. Merseyrail said it will be will be running a limited hourly service on 5, 7 and November. Its staff are not striking, but the system will be affected by the absence of many Network Rail staff.

New chair ++ The chair of the House of Commons Transport Committee is to be replaced, because the present chairman Huw Merriman is becoming a transport minister. Rules of the Select Committees do not allow members of the government to take part, as the committees are intended exclusively for backbenchers from all sides of the house, although the chair must be from the ruling party. Nominations are now open and will close at noon on 15 November. If there is only one candidate, the Speaker is likely to announce the result that day.  If more than one nomination is received, a ballot will take place on 16 November and the Speaker would announce the results in the House of Commons later that day.

Finance director ++ Greater Anglia has appointed a new finance director. Michael Robertson joins the operator from its majority shareholder Abellio Group, where he was group financial controller. Previously he was ScotRail’s head of finance after spending several years with Grant Thornton UK.