Today's rail headlines - #InTheNews: Government opposed to eight of the nine current applications by private train operators to launch services, Scotland trial for companions, HS2 APM, and footballer turned train driver. Listen here:

The foundations for Britain's newest high-speed railway station have been completed at Old Oak Common in London, marking a significant step forward for the @HS2ltd project.

New research from @networkrail* to mark National Apprenticeship Week has revealed over half of all respondents (51%) would consider an apprenticeship if they were to restart their career.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2025 (10-16 February), Britain’s railway has announced that it plans to recruit 2,000 apprentices during its bicentenary this year, and at least 10,000 over the next five years.

The @RSSB_rail has published new guidance to help the rail industry improve reporting of work-related violence. It was developed following consultation with industry’s Work-Related Violence Group, led by the @RailDeliveryGrp and chaired by @networkrail.

Construction work has started at Northolt to make it the next Tube station to provide step-free access. @TfL will ensure that the station remains open throughout the work, which will deliver a new footbridge and lift to access the island platform.

The University of Huddersfield’s renowned Institute of Railway Research (IRR) has appointed two key Visiting Professors from the railway industry.

@Hull_Trains is celebrating securing a gold award at the highly respected Communicate Lens Awards held in London earlier this month alongside popular Yorkshire broadcaster, Jon Mitchell.

Iconic steam locomotive Flying Scotsman will take to the tracks once again in 2025, as the nation celebrates the bicentenary of the modern railway.

@networkrail signallers are poised to welcome trains on the new East West Rail route between Oxford and Milton Keynes using some of the latest technology to help make rail journeys reliable. More details here:

@atkinsrealis has been appointed by @networkrail to lead design integration for a central section of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), the 18-mile leg from Stalybridge to Huddersfield.

Today's rail headlines - #InTheNews: railway line between Liverpool and Manchester will remain closed after a car crashed on to the tracks, West Midlands Metro, rail fares in Wales, Mid Cornwall Metro. Listen here:

@HS2ltd has invited two companies to tender for a major contract to supply, operate and maintain its elevated transit system at Solihull’s Interchange Station, following a shortlisting process. More details here:

Camlin Rail has announced a ground-breaking partnership with Californian commuter rail system Caltrain, that serves over seven million passengers annually in the Santa Clara Valley and San Francisco Peninsula.

@networkrail’s maintenance teams will be out in force during weekends in February and March to deliver essential work to keep the railway running safely and reliably.

The first phase of work to repair a significant landslip between Three Bridges and Gatwick on the busy Brighton Main Line has been completed ahead of schedule. More details here:

Investment by @TfL through its UK-wide supply chain continues to support growth and opportunities right across the UK, a new independent report has shown.

COMET has announced that Dr Douglas Leith has taken on a new role as its new Chief Intelligence Officer (CIO).

The new Ipswich to Cambridge Community Rail Partnership (CRP) is up and running and preparing for its first full year of operation. More details here:

Steve Barbour, Managing Director at Composite Braiding, he explains how the company’s unique braiding process can manufacture cheaper, lighter and more sustainable components for the rail industry.