Zagreb–Split hybrid train debuts as prefect calls 8-hour trip unacceptable
The first Zagreb–Split hybrid train from a six-train Končar order entered regular service on 15 September, running on a 429 km line with just 103 km electrified.
UK & European Rail News
RegioPanter battery train reaches InnoTrans with up to 52 units for export
Škoda is presenting its new-generation RegioPanter battery train at InnoTrans 2026, with more than 100 battery-technology vehicles in production or on order, up to 52 of them abroad.
New ÖBB double-deck Railjet will replace interim trains from late 2026
Stadler is showing the ÖBB double-deck Railjet at InnoTrans in Berlin, a 486-seat train due from late 2026 on Vienna–Salzburg services already run by interim double-deckers of equal capacity.
15-minute S80 trains due only in 2036 as €511.5m Vienna upgrade starts
Work has begun on the Verbindungsbahn upgrade in Vienna, a project worth around €511.5 million, but S80 trains every 15 minutes, twice the pre-construction frequency, are not expected until 2036.
Chiltern Railways now publicly owned; tickets and Delay Repay unchanged
Chiltern Railways public ownership began on 20 September, and the operator says existing tickets, railcards, season tickets and Delay Repay compensation stay valid and unchanged for its passengers.
Direct Rail Services gets nine Class 68 ETCS simulators in Carlisle
Direct Rail Services has brought nine Network Rail-funded ETCS training simulators into use at its Carlisle office, giving its freight drivers a controlled setting to learn in-cab digital signalling.
Botley Road reopens, but Oxford lacks rail capacity for East West Rail
Oxford's Botley Road reopened to traffic on 20 September after more than three years shut, but Network Rail says infrastructure around the station cannot yet support East West Rail services.
East Midlands Railway finishes 25 of 91 trains in £60m refurbishment
East Midlands Railway train refurbishment has reached 25 of 91 trains in the £60 million programme, with 10 Class 158s, 12 Class 170s and three Class 360s completed.
Deutsche Bahn to test bodycam audio from 5 October after fatal attack on staff
Deutsche Bahn is widening staff safety measures about seven months after train attendant Serkan Çalar was fatally attacked on a regional train, with a bodycam audio test from 5 October.
Turkey’s 513 km Black Sea high-speed line is still at the feasibility stage
Plans for a 513 km Samsun-Sarp high-speed railway on Turkey's Black Sea coast have not moved beyond feasibility work, and no construction tender date has been announced.
VTG agrees to sell VTG Rail UK and its roughly 4,500-vehicle fleet to USS
VTG has agreed to sell its UK wagon leasing business to pension scheme USS, with around 4,500 vehicles included and completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Chiltern Railways enters public ownership on 20 September 2026
Chiltern Railways public ownership starts on 20 September, while 25 extra weekday services and almost 10,000 additional weekday seats follow with the December 2026 timetable.
