Rail industry press briefing 2013-44

Rail fare increases in England will rise in line with inflation, meaning people in Scotland using cross-border services will see prices go up 3.1% next month instead of the planned 4.1%. [The Herald Scotland]The government has announced that terms have been agreed on a £1 billion guarantee for the London Underground’s Northern line extension to Battersea. [Global Rail News][BBC News]‘s Tom Edwards on TfL’s revised business planMinisters have accepted recommendations by a body investigating Britain’s airports that could lead to significant improvements to Gatwick’s train station and rail links at Stansted and Heathrow. [Financial Times]The Government will sell its 40 per cent stake in Eurostar as part of a plan to privatise £20 billion of financial and corporate assets by 2020. [Daily Telegraph]David Cameron has opened the door to Chinese investment in the High Speed 2 rail line from London to the north. [Financial Times]Boris Johnson today announced a “real terms freeze” in next year’s bus and Tube fares. [Evening Standard]Details of a proposed timetable for a new direct rail link between Shropshire and London have been released. [BBC News]The government has sold off a disused London underground station used as a secret wartime command centre, as part of its drive to repair battered public finances. [Reuters]Proposals to further expand London’s urban rail network have been given public backing, a consultation has shown. [Global Rail News]